FDAs exclamation about differing tests
[QUOTE=Kazeu;2484966]I've been reading through the comments in the article referenced below. They are quite interesting. There are the obvious conclusions that indeed travel is opening up and that a negative PCR covid test, taken not greater than 96 hours before the flight, will be required. But there are still many questions:
1. What kind of PCR test? As far as I know, there are 3 types.
[URL]https://rapidtesttravel.com/types-of-tests/[/URL]
They all take different amounts of time to process. With rapid being the fastest I'm assuming.
2. In the case of flights with multiple legs, a domestic leg and the final FLL - CTG international leg, should 96 hours before flight time be taken to mean 96 hours before the domestic leg flight time or the international leg?
This can make a huge difference, some layovers are overnight even.[/QUOTE]Concerning the PCR test on this FDA web here there is a page there is a chart. The PCR test is listed as being in the column under "Molecular Test".
[URL]https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/coronavirus-testing-basics[/URL]
How quickly you can get your results are going to depend entirely on the testing facility you choose so obviously you need to ask when they can guarantee you will get the results back.
Doesn't that depend on how the results are dated?
[QUOTE=Kazeu;2485108]Doesn't that depend on how the results are dated? Are the results dated with the day of the biological sample was taken? That would seem to be the most accurate way. Or are they dated by when the biological sample was actually processed by the lab? Maybe someone who knows more about tests can comment further.[/QUOTE]The wording (as translated by Google Translate) on the Colombian president's page "PCR test must be performed" and "the result must not be greater" than 96 hours before the stipulated flight time. I would take this as to mean that the collection of specimen must have been within 96 hours because while of course one could argue this but the "PCR test must be performed" most likely means collected. One can argue that "must be performed" means when the lab actually applies the testing procedure but that would not have any meaning to bear on the situation so I think all of these things should probably happen within 96 hours of the flight to be safe.
Rapid test= anitgen test= PCR test
[QUOTE=MojoBandit;2485190]According to this info on the FDA website the one test you can get back in 15 minutes is not PCR test but an antigen test but it also states that some molecular tests are also rapid test so I think if I went to take a rapid test I would clarify with the testing facility if it was a "PCR" test. Also called a "molecular" test.[/QUOTE]I just checked with a microbiologist at the hospital where I practice. He said molecular is an antigen test, rapid and true. But may need a second test. If it is positive.