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Joined: Dec 2020
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we thought we were all set for travel, found a place to do RT-PCR, received our negative results today, BUT, the lab report shows lab results as PCR, not the specific RT-PCR. We called the clinic and they clearly did not understand the difference, even though i had specifically asked for the RT-PCR prior to the test.
We submitted our application, but just waiting for what I anticipate will be a denial. Not sure if anyone else submitted results for PCR and were approved?? frown frown boohoo

Last edited by wanderer01; 12/12/2020 05:03 PM.
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When are you scheduled to travel?? Do you have time to go somewhere else and get one of the other tests? That might be your best choice..


Carol Hill
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I've been on phone all day. Sadly no, we leave on Tuesday morning. Everything here is minimum 3-5 days. I also can't find a place for Antigen test, they are in short supply.

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How long ago did you submit your application? If it's been a few hours, you might want to re-submit it. Someone posted a phone number for them here, so you might try that also.. Best wishes.


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If it is denied, resubmit, even if you have to do so several times. Good luck.


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Yes, i tried # and they took my email, but no response. I am resubmitting now... thank you everyone

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I wouldn't throw in the towel just yet.

Has anyone ever reported being denied because the test said PCR instead of rt-PCR? If so, I must have missed it. We can all read the specifics on the EHAS webpage, but we don't know how much latitude, if any, has been given to the staff reviewing the applications.

I was required to take a COVID test a few weeks ago (not for travel). The (negative) test result page shows qRT-PCR as the test type, not rt-PCR. It also shows AN SWAB as the swab type (Anterior Nasal) not NasoPharyngeal). I don't now if the test would have been approved by EHAS or not. Perhaps I should have submitted it just to find out.

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We submitted PCR tests (not rt-PCR) and were approved in a couple of hours. We arrived here on the 4th. No issues on arrival. There is hope.

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Hope all goes well for two children arriving next Sunday December 20th.

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Originally Posted by Headcounter
We submitted PCR tests (not rt-PCR) and were approved in a couple of hours. We arrived here on the 4th. No issues on arrival. There is hope.


Correct...someone else here from MA had a PCR done at one of the MA Express testing sites and had no problem getting approved...that is my plan for testing

Edit: found it

Approved PCR link

Last edited by boucharda; 12/13/2020 08:41 AM.
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Hope the original poster is able to get approved, but DO NOT PLAN on taking a non-approved test!!!! This is like the people that were backing the home test, which is specifically NOT approved. You MAY get lucky, because they are obviously making lots of mistakes, from the people who took all the rights tests and were getting denied. But don't DELIBERATELY take a test that you know is not supposed to be acceptable.


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The poster I linked (Carialle ) did get approved with the PCR test mentioned in this thread and you (and I) thanked them for their info....now seems a different spin

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boucharda--If you're responding to me, I have NEVER advised anyone to take a non-approved test. People have gotten through using non-approved tests, and been lucky to do so, in my opinion. With all these people getting denied numerous times, when they have done everything correctly, why would one deliberately take such a chance?? Not me.


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Ok...I never said you advised anyone....I just said you thanked them for the info about the same test mentioned in this thread.

Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
Carialle---thanks for your info. Looking forward to hearing about your trip!


Should have just done a PM to the originator of this thread...lesson learned

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My husband and I also thanked Carlalle for the wonderful information. I sent them a message as. We looked into their suggestion and thats what we plan on doing in January

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good news, we were approved. As an FYI, we did take the Rt-PCR (according to nurse) however our lab results showed PCR, it did not say RT. We were not intentionally taking unapproved test. Excited to get approved! Thank you everyone for your help!

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Good deal, enjoy your trip.


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awesome have a great time

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wanderer--glad to know you were approved. Enjoy your trip!


Carol Hill
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Not an expert but I think they might be the same, meaning PCR and RT-PCR are the same thing. The test I took and was approved without incident was labeled as: SARS-CoV2 Real-time Reverse Transcriptase (RT)-PCR Diagnostic Assay but was referred to colloquially as the PCR test when I asked about it initially.

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Carialle--your test was listed as RT-PCR, so that is the correct test. PCR and RT-PCR are NOT the same thing.


Carol Hill
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May not be an issue. Many testing sites don't even know what "RT" means. It depends on what they say in the report and whether it meets the requirements of EHAS.


Jeff Berger
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what is the difference between PCR and RT-PCR TEST


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