Lois Larson
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a new normal for travellers, with many countries requiring a negative PCR test result for entry. As a result, rapid PCR tests have been rolled out at several airports worldwide, including in the US, India, and Pakistan. These tests are typically more expensive than standard PCR tests but provide results much faster, reducing the waiting time for travellers. Some airports also offer Rapid Antigen Tests, which are cheaper and provide results even faster, but may not be accepted by all countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Test Type | Rapid PCR test |
| Test Provider | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
| Test Name | Accula rapid PCR test |
| Test Availability | Available at 11 U.S. airports by May 1, 2021 |
| Test Cost | $225 at JFK, $250 at other locations |
| Test Result Time | Within 30 minutes |
| Test Coverage | Accepted by Hawaii's Trusted Testing Partner program |
| Test Purpose | To ease travel to Hawaii and countries that don't accept antigen tests |
| Test Pre-requisite | Registration and online booking |
| Test Booking Process | Online via airport or testing company websites |
| Test Booking Requirements | Full name, gender, flight number, ID proof, arrival/departure time, seat number, etc. |
| Test Booking Locations | Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and other major Indian airports |
| Test Costs in India | Rs. 2,900 (Kolkata), Rs. 4,500 (Mumbai), Rs. 3,500 (Delhi), Rs. 3,000-6,500 (Pakistan) |
| Test Result Time in India | 30-45 minutes (Kolkata), 2 hours (Mumbai), 60-90 minutes (Delhi), 13 minutes (Chennai) |
| Other Test Types | Rapid Antigen Test, Standard RT-PCR, Rapid Antibody Test, Rapid Antigen Flu Test Combo |
| Test Costs (Other Tests) | $95-$275 (Rapid Antigen), $125-$135 (Standard RT-PCR), $65 (Rapid Antibody), $75 (Rapid Antigen Flu Combo) |
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What You'll Learn
- Rapid PCR tests at Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and other major Indian airports
- Thermo Fisher Scientific's Accula rapid PCR test at 11 US airports
- Rapid PCR tests at Pakistani airports for UAE-bound passengers
- Rapid PCR tests at Chennai Airport, India
- Rapid Reliable Testing at Philadelphia International Airport
Rapid PCR tests at Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and other major Indian airports
Rapid PCR tests are available at Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi airports. At Kolkata Airport, the Rapid PCR test facility was introduced for flyers arriving from other countries, reducing the waiting time for results from six hours to less than an hour. The test costs Rs 3,600, though it was previously priced at Rs 4,000.
Mumbai Airport also offers Rapid PCR tests for international arrivals from certain countries, including Europe and the UAE. The test costs INR 1975, and those who test positive will be reassessed with a regular PCR test. If both tests are positive, these international passengers will either be hospitalized or put in quarantine, depending on their symptoms.
Delhi Airport offers both RT-PCR and Rapid PCR tests for international passengers arriving from 'at-risk' countries. The Rapid PCR test costs INR 500, and passengers are required to give Nasopharyngeal and Oropharyngeal swabs. The Rapid Antigen Test costs INR 300 and delivers results in 35 minutes.
While the availability of Rapid PCR tests at these major Indian airports facilitates travel and reduces waiting times, it is important to note that testing requirements and procedures may change over time. It is always advisable to check the latest information and guidelines provided by the respective airports and authorities before planning your travel.
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Thermo Fisher Scientific's Accula rapid PCR test at 11 US airports
Thermo Fisher Scientific's Accula rapid PCR test is available at 11 major US airports, including Boston Logan, New York's JFK, Newark Liberty International, San Francisco International, and Seattle-Tacoma International, among others. The test, which costs $225 at JFK and $250 at other locations, promises results within 30 minutes. This rapid PCR test is more accurate than long-standing rapid antigen tests and is accepted by Hawaii and several foreign countries that do not recognize antigen test results.
The rollout of Thermo Fisher Scientific's Accula rapid PCR test at 11 US airports is part of a broader initiative by XpresCheck, an airport testing brand developed by XpresSpa, to provide convenient and accurate COVID-19 testing options for travelers. XpresCheck locations offering the Accula rapid PCR test include Boston, Newark, Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington Dulles, and Washington Reagan, in addition to JFK and Houston Bush airports.
The Accula testing system is highly sensitive and provides more accurate results with fewer false positives and negatives compared to rapid antigen tests. This test is already trusted and utilized by various healthcare settings, movie studios, and professional sports organizations for their screening needs. The rapid PCR test is beneficial for international travelers as some countries, like Hawaii, exclusively accept PCR test results for entry.
While Thermo Fisher Scientific's Accula rapid PCR test is available at select US airports, other airports worldwide have also introduced COVID19 testing facilities. For example, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) offers drive-through COVID-19 PCR testing, and Chennai Airport in India has launched a rapid RT-PCR test facility with results available in just 13 minutes. Airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore, India, also offer online booking for COVID-19 tests, with results typically delivered within a few hours.
As the world adapts to the new travel norms, rapid and accurate COVID-19 testing at airports is becoming an essential service to facilitate safe travel and restore global air connectivity. Thermo Fisher Scientific's Accula rapid PCR test at 11 US airports is a significant step towards achieving this goal, providing travelers with a convenient and reliable testing option.
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Rapid PCR tests at Pakistani airports for UAE-bound passengers
In 2021, Pakistani authorities offloaded 70 UAE-bound passengers due to non-fulfillment of rapid PCR tests. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced that counters for conducting rapid PCR tests for COVID-19 would be set up at Jinnah International Airport Karachi. These counters would be available to passengers four hours before departure, and the fee for the test would have to be paid by the passengers. The CAA also stated that they were finalizing all possible measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
It is important to note that the UAE has specific requirements for passengers entering the country. All passengers must have a valid COVID-19 test certificate issued within 48 hours of their scheduled flight departure. The test must be carried out by an accredited laboratory with a QR code. In addition to this, a rapid PCR test is required before boarding the plane.
The UAE has allowed vaccinated stranded residents from Pakistan to return to the UAE. Dubai visa holders must apply for pre-entry approval through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The GDRFA approval is one of the most important conditions for entry to the UAE.
Some exemptions are made for non-vaccinated passengers, including holders of golden and silver visas, diplomats, healthcare workers, education sector workers, government employees, and exhibitors and participants sponsored by EXPO 2020.
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Rapid PCR tests at Chennai Airport, India
Chennai Airport in India has a rapid RT-PCR testing facility for passengers. The test, which provides results in 13 minutes, costs Rs 2900. The airport also offers RT-PCR tests for Rs 600, with results available in 4 to 6 hours.
To reduce waiting times, passengers are encouraged to register and pay online before arriving at the airport. This can be done by visiting the testing portal and entering the required information, including full name, gender, flight details, address, and the type of test desired.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid PCR tests have become increasingly important for travel. These tests are more accurate than rapid antigen tests and are often required for entry into certain countries. As such, many airports worldwide have begun offering rapid PCR testing facilities to their passengers.
In India, rapid PCR tests are also available at airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore, with online booking options available. These tests typically provide results within 60 to 90 minutes, making them a convenient option for travellers who need quick and reliable testing before their flights.
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Rapid Reliable Testing at Philadelphia International Airport
As part of a pilot program at Philadelphia International Airport, Rapid Reliable Testing offers three types of tests: Standard PCR (polymerase chain reaction), RT-PCR (Expedited), and rapid antigen tests. The Standard PCR test is the most globally accepted test for determining that a person does not have COVID-19 at the time of testing. It takes about 48 hours to obtain the results. Most destinations with COVID-19 restrictions require a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of travel for exemption from mandatory quarantine. Hence, travellers are advised to take the test three days before departure to ensure they receive the results in time.
The Rapid Reliable Testing clinic is located in the pre-security area of Terminal E (to the left of the Terminal E security checkpoint) and is meant for asymptomatic passengers flying out of Philadelphia International Airport. The antigen test results are available in less than an hour, and passengers can wait onsite for the results. The PCR test results take 24 to 72 hours. Travellers can check the Rapid Reliable Testing Patient Portal for their results. If the results are not available within 72 hours, travellers can call 1-800-AMBULNZ for assistance.
The Rapid Reliable Testing clinic is run by Jefferson Health, in partnership with the airport and Ambulnz. The tests are administered by licensed professionals in privacy bays. All travellers taking a test will be required to sign a testing consent form, excluding Jefferson Health, Rapid Reliable Testing Health System, and Philadelphia International Airport from any liability regarding test results, unexpected delays, and any impact on travel plans.
The cost of the tests ranges from $70 to $130. Parking in the Terminal E Short-Term Parking Garage is complimentary for up to two hours for testing patrons, who must show documentation from the testing facility to have the parking fee waived.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, rapid PCR tests are available at several airports. For example, Thermo Fisher Scientific's Accula rapid PCR test is available at 11 US airports, including New York JFK and Houston Bush. Rapid PCR tests are also available at airports in India, such as Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
The cost of a rapid PCR test varies depending on the location. For example, at US airports, the test costs $225 at JFK and $250 at other locations. In India, the test costs Rs. 2,900 in Kolkata, Rs. 4,500 in Mumbai, and Rs. 3,500 in Delhi.
Rapid PCR tests typically provide results within a short timeframe, such as 30 to 90 minutes. For example, the Accula rapid PCR test promises results within 30 minutes, while tests at Kolkata International Airport deliver results in 30 to 45 minutes.
It depends on the airport and testing facility. Some airports, such as Gerald R. Ford International Airport, offer drive-thru testing without appointments. However, at other airports, you may need to pre-book your test online or follow specific procedures to access the testing facility. It is recommended to check the website or guidelines of the specific airport you are travelling through to understand their testing process and requirements.
