As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, COVID-19 testing is still an integral part of the travel planning process, and according to On Call’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Siegart, this is not something he anticipates going away anytime soon. “While COVID-19 regulations around the world continue to be in a constant state of flux, what we do know is a negative COVID-19 test result is required to enter many countries, including the United States,” says Dr. Siegart. Dr. Siegart says he’s still seeing an influx of inquiries about COVID-19 testing and travel, especially as more people get vaccinated, so he’s answering some of the most frequently asked questions and sharing some advice with would-be travelers:
What if a traveler received the COVID-19 vaccine or tested positive for antibodies? Does this person need a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 to enter the US?
Dr. Siegart: Yes. All air passengers traveling to the United States that are two years of age or older, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination or antibody status, must present documentation of a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 to the airline. The test must be performed no more than one day before traveling by air to the United States.
What kind of documentation of the test result should a traveler present before boarding their flights?
Dr. Siegart: The test documentation must be verifiable and include identification of the person, the specimen collection date, and the type of test. Additionally, tests must be completed within one day before the flight and can be either an NAAT or antigen test.
Those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days must present a positive viral test conducted on a specimen collected no more than 90 calendar days before the flight and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or public health official stating that the passenger has been cleared for travel.
Passengers must also sign and present an attestation form that the information they present is true.
If a traveler does an at-home test, is this considered acceptable documentation prior to entering the US?
Dr. Siegart: Yes, home tests are acceptable with some important stipulations. A home test that is a specimen collection kit subsequently tested in a laboratory is acceptable. The laboratory must meet the authorization and verification requirements of the country’s national health authority. The test report must be verifiable, which means it must be in paper or electronic form. Additionally, the report must include information that identifies the individual, specimen collection date, and type of test. The home tests coming on the market that provide a result at home are not acceptable.
What if a traveler recently recovered from COVID-19 – do they still need to get tested prior to entering the US?
Dr. Siegart: No. The CDC does not recommend repeating COVID-19 testing again in the three months following a positive COVID-19 test. If the traveler has recovered from COVID-19 and meets the criteria to end isolation, travel will be permitted with documentation of the positive viral test associated with the recent COVID-19 illness, and a letter from the traveler’s health care provider or public health official that states they have been cleared for travel. The combined documentation of a positive COVID-19 test result with a letter of travel clearance are referred to as ‘documentation of recovery.’
There are currently at home tests accepted by airlines for passengers returning to the US from a trip abroad or with cruise ships originating from the U.S. Per the CDC, some countries may restrict importation of tests that are not authorized or registered there. If you are considering bringing a U.S.-authorized test with you for use outside of the United States, contact authorities at your destination for information before you travel.
If a traveler tests negative before their flight, do they need to get another test when they return to the US?
Dr. Siegart: It is currently recommended but not required that testing be performed within 3–5 days of return, and that travelers self-quarantine for seven days. Even if the follow-up test is negative, self-quarantine remains for the full seven days. If no post-travel testing is performed, self-quarantine is recommended for ten days. State and local recommendations may vary, so it is important to be aware of them and comply their recommendations or requirements. State and local recommendations may vary, so it is important to be aware of them and comply their recommendations or requirements. Moreover, it is advisable to discuss one’s situation with their healthcare providers in the context of their overall risk, potential for exposure, and presence of any symptoms to determine the best testing strategy for them.
What if a traveler tests positive before their flight?
Dr. Siegart: If a traveler tests positive and has COVID-19 symptoms they must isolate themselves from others for 10 days after the onset of symptoms. If there are no symptoms and the positive result was an antigen test, a NAAT based test may help confirm illness vs. a false positive. Otherwise, even those with no symptoms and a positive test must self-isolate for 10 days. (Note: if you are concerned about contracting COVID-19 while traveling, there are there are unique assistance programs that can be purchased prior to travel. Contact us to learn more).
Do travelers need to get tested before leaving the US? Where can travelers find a COVID-19 test abroad?
Dr. Siegart: The CDC recommends, but currently does not require, that travelers be tested within three days before departure from the US; however, it’s important to note that destination countries have their own COVID-19 testing requirements before travel and/or after arrival. According to the CDC, those who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine do not need to get tested before leaving the US unless the destination requires it. For information on specific foreign country testing entry requirements and their respective testing availability please refer to the following US Department of State link: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html.
For travelers looking for tests in the US, I advise travelers to first check with their primary care providers who may know the best options for testing in their area. Travelers can also look at their city and state health department websites for local testing information. COVID-19 testing is available free of charge at multiple health centers and select pharmacies with which the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HSS) has partnered. Travelers can also visit HHS’ website for more information about local COVID-19 testing availability: https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html#nh.
How about for domestic travel? Do travelers need to get tested?
Dr. Siegart: No. As of April 2, 2021, the CDC stated that those traveling domestically within the US do not need to get tested or self-quarantine if they are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months. However, different state and local governments may impose their own requirements depending on the situation. Always check with and follow state and local recommendations or requirements.
What kind of COVID-19 tests are available?
Dr. Siegart: COVID-19 tests fall into two general categories: current infection and past infection. Past infections are detected with antibody testing. The antibody test determines whether there are antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19 circulating in one’s blood. Antibodies are produced by the immune system in days or weeks following an infection. If antibodies are detected in the blood it may indicate current COVID-19 infection, or recent infection depending on the type of antibodies detected. However, a positive antibody test can also mean an individual was infected with a different coronavirus. Because of this lack of 100% specificity, the antibody test is not helpful for the person who needs to know whether they are currently infected or not. The test is more useful for public health surveillance and research purposes.
Current COVID-19 illness is detected by diagnostic tests. There are two types of diagnostic tests: molecular tests that detect the virus’s genetic material, and antigen tests that detect specific proteins from the virus. Nucleic acid amplification (NAAT) tests fall in the category of molecular tests and include RT-PCR, LAMP, and TMA tests. The RT-PCR, LAMP, and TMA tests are nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) that detect SARS-Cov-2 genetic material, the virus that causes COVID-19. Depending on the test and manufacturer, a specimen is collected by nasopharyngeal swab, nasal swab, throat swab, or saliva sample. The specimen is then placed in a transport medium and sent to a diagnostic laboratory.
Antigen tests detect viral proteins and can be completed within 15 minutes. The specimen is collected by swabbing the inside of the nose. Neither of the tests “hurt” per se, but there might be some very brief discomfort when the throat or nasal passage are swabbed. Sometimes a saliva specimen is utilized which involves no discomfort. Antigen tests are point-of-care tests that can be completed in a doctor’s office, clinic, hospital, lab, or at home.
Are there any tests that are considered more accurate than others? For example, some say the rapid tests are not as accurate as the molecular tests.
Dr. Siegart: Two factors we consider are the sensitivity and specificity of a test. The sensitivity is the rate of false negatives, and the specificity is the rate of false positives. The molecular (PCR) test is more sensitive (less likely to be falsely negative), and more specific (more reliable with less false positives) than the rapid tests which are antigen-based. No test is 100% accurate, and there is variation in the PCR tests depending on several factors, including how and when the specimen was acquired, viral load, and the design of the PCR assay.
At present there is no “gold standard” test to diagnose COVID-19 with 100% certainty. All test results must be interpreted in the appropriate context. The antigen-based tests are more likely to detect COVID-19 when symptoms are present. Otherwise, about 5 days after known exposure is the best time to test. The NAAT tests, which include PCR tests, are more sensitive and likely to detect early infection when there is not a high viral load. If someone is strongly suspected to have COVID-19 because of known exposure and presence of symptoms but has a negative antigen-based test, a NAAT is indicated for confirmation. The downside to the NAAT tests is that they are so sensitive that they can detect small viral RNA pieces (genetic material) that are remnants of a resolved COVID-19 infection for weeks to months even though there is no active infection or infectiousness.
How accurate is the at home test?
Dr. Siegart: If the specimen is collected and packaged correctly, is it as accurate as one performed at a testing site.
It is imperative that individuals follow the test kit instructions for collection for both the antigen and PCR type test. If the instructions, procedures, and proper packaging (for those sent to a lab) are followed, the accuracy is the same.
How much in advance of travel should an individual plan to get tested? How long does it take to get the results back?
Dr. Siegart: This is not a one-size-fits-all answer as different tests will come with different wait times for results. Having a flexible travel schedule and/or planning some buffer time between test results and the start of the trip can help to skirt around these gray areas. For example, the PCR test takes 2-5 days to receive results, whereas the most convenient and faster Antigen test provides results in 15 minutes. Regardless of which testing method a traveler chooses, it’s important to remember that even if promised a specific results timeline, there may be a delay which could pose an issue for those traveling to destinations that require proof of a negative test. Moreover, it’s important to remember the new CDC guidelines which require a traveler to be tested within one day before their flight to the US.
In addition to the US, are there other destinations that require proof of negative test results for entry?
Dr. Siegart: Depending on one’s intended destination, proof of a negative COVID-19 test within variable number of days of travel may be required. On Call’s clients are encouraged to consult with us for the most up-to-date guidance on how to prepare for travel to their intended destinations, check the CDC’s Travel Recommendations by Destinations page, and review the U.S. Consulate’s website for their destination countries as well.
Does a negative test help guarantee traveler safety (and the safety of others) when traveling?
Dr. Siegart: No, it does not. A negative test can be falsely reassuring. The PCR test is more accurate and has fewer false negatives than the Antigen test. However, because it is so sensitive, it may detect small bits of genetic material that have not cleared from the body due to an infection that is no longer active or contagious. All tests have some degree of false negatives and positives and must be interpreted clinically based on the context of exposure and presence or absence of symptoms. If COVID-19 exposure is very recent it may be too early for any test to detect. Testing should always be performed in consideration of the likelihood of exposure, current health condition, and the presence of any symptoms. Someone who has had significant exposure and now has a fever and a cough, and tests negative, maybe falsely reassured. Those individuals should self-quarantine pending follow-up with their healthcare providers and have repeat testing to make sure the first test was not falsely negative if there is any question. I also stress that the standard safety precautions should always be followed regardless of test status. Social distancing, wearing a mask, and hand hygiene cannot be overemphasized.
In addition to COVID-19 testing, what other factors should be considered before traveling?
Dr. Siegart: I always advise travelers to consider the availability of healthcare in their destination countries and how they will get home (or get to the nearest facility capable of properly treating their condition if they fall ill). This is important for all people, but it can’t be stressed enough for higher-risk populations such as the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions. I also think it’s highly important for travelers and their organizations to do a thorough evaluation of existing policies, procedures and resources related to COVID-19 to ensure alignment of coverage between insurers, assistance services, and crisis management protocols prior to travel.
Do SARS-CoV-2 variants impact the accuracy of COVID-19 tests?
Dr. Siegart: Current mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 variants are in what is called the S gene that encodes the spike. Most of the molecular tests still detect the SARS-CoV-2 RNA because they detect more than one gene target.
The antigen test detects different virus proteins, so mutations in the spike protein would not impact accuracy.
If I think I have COVID-19, should I get an antibody test?
Dr. Siegart: No, because antibody tests are not useful to diagnose acute infections. Antibodies can take days to weeks to develop and cannot be relied on to diagnose a current COVID-19 infection. Antibody tests are used to confirm prior infection.
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The information provided within this post has been compiled from a multitude of available sources, and is based on the current news and situational analysis at the time of writing.
