BinaxNOW Home Test Experience

We're back from our trip, and I wanted to give an update on my experience using the BinaxNOW Ag Card Home Test for reentry into the United States. In short, it worked well, and I'd recommend it to anyone traveling.

We bought four tests for three people using Optum.com. We bought the extra just in case something went wrong, but we only needed the three. The materials in the kit are essentially the same as what you'd find in the Binax tests available at Walmart. I'd used the cheaper, non-video monitored ones before, so the test itself was familiar. If you're considering this as an option and are curious, you could always just buy the $14 kit and try it out. If you're able to administer that one, you'll be fine with the other.

We downloaded the Navica app and created Emed accounts before we left the United States. When it was time to test, we just logged into Emed.com on our computers. The app is one way to receive results, but they are also emailed to you, so I think it would be possible to just skip the app completely if you're not comfortable with that. I'd still recommend creating your Emed account online before leaving, though.

The process of testing was very simple and a lot of guidance was provided:

1. We went to Emed.com, chose "start testing" from the home page, and then logged in using the Navica username and password we'd already created.
2. We answered a few questions about if we had an unopened test, if our hands were clean, if we had a photo ID, our airline, current location, and about the purpose of the test.
3. The next screen ensured our device was ready and tested the camera and audio on our computers. Steps 1-3 can all be done before actually talking to anyone, so you could definitely check your connection before you were ready to test.
4. Once that was done, we were connected with a representative that guided us through the test. The representative asked us to hold a QR code on the test up to the camera as well as show our ID. We then had to put the test on a flat surface and show them it was there. The next step was to actually do the test, which is all covered here: https://www.fda.gov/media/144574/download. It takes about two minutes if you've done one before. It may take a little longer if you're reading or following the on-screen instructions.
5. When the test had been administered, the representative started a 15-minute clock and then a video played about Covid while we waited. You can walk away from the screen, so you don't have to just sit there.
6. After 15 minutes, we were prompted by a beep to have the results reviewed and then clicked a button on the screen to get reconnected to a representative.
7. We then held up the tests to let them review the results and ensure the QR code matched up. Once that was done, the test was over.
8. The final step was receiving the results through email and the app.

In total, all three of us were able to test and get the results within an hour. We had two people testing at the same time on two different computers and then did the third test afterward since it was for our younger son and he needed help. Had we really been trying, we probably could have done it all within 30 minutes or less. We were able to do everything from our AirBnB, and were finished by 8 a.m. the day before we left.

At the airport the next day, we showed the Delta representative the negative results on the app. I think she was expecting a PDF version, which is what you receive via email, but she accepted the app results. Considering that, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have the PDF version downloaded to your phone or at least easily accessible through your email. That's the only thing I would have done differently. We were not asked for any test results once we arrived in the United States.

Thanks for the report. Since we are returning on a Monday next time, we may end up having to do this, if the testing requirement to re-enter the US is the same as now.

We have used this test several times returning to US from Sint Maarten and it works well…Very easy and convenient. Takes less than 30 minutes start to finish.

We have also used it for entry into Sint Maarten two times with 3 different people each time with no issues. Not sure if it is still viable with new rules on January 1st.

Yes! Have used them several times now to come back to the US. And also to enter the island once.

What was the expiration date on the tests? In other words, once you receive, how long are they generally good for? Just want to make sure I don't order too soon if they have a short shelf life. Thanks.

I think they have a 6 month life.

The one remaining test we have has an official expiration of Nov. 5, 2021. However, we received a note in the shipment saying the expiration had been extended three months and would be good until February. We ordered the tests at the end of November, so we only had about two months to actually use them once they arrived. When we placed the order, there was a message on the site saying the expiration could be pretty soon. That message is no longer showing up, so hopefully they will be good for a while after you get them.

We too had a great experience with it when coming home from France a couple months ago. Super easy. We plan to do it again this winter when we travel.

Regarding the current expiration dates of the BinaxNOW home test, I ordered a 2-pack a week ago and they are good until November 6, 2022.

That's good news. I have been thinking about ordering some to have, just in case, as testing is very difficult to get around here. Our next trip is in June, so we could order them and use for June if necessary. That might be the way to go.

That's what I've been doing - keeping a few on the shelf. One other thing to consider is bringing a test kit to SXM with you. I've talked to a few people who have chosen to do a home test on the island before going for their official US-required return-home test, just so that they have a better idea what their official results will be.

The supply of home test kits has dried up in many areas. I don't know if this is going to be an ongoing problem, or if it is the result of extreme demand around Christmas and New Years.

Abbott's BinaxNOW is the brand that we've been talking about here, but there are others, which are in equally short supply right now. When shopping, if "collection kit" is in the product name then you'll be shipping a swab to a lab, rather than home testing.

Another thing that I've heard from people is that delivery times for test kits which are bought on the internet have been extended, beyond what they were told when they purchased. Again, I don't know if that is the result of seasonal shipping delays or extreme demand around the holidays.

My kit was delivered last week in 2 days. And I plan to use one for my official test for return to the US in February, providing the rules don't change again.

That was our plan initially. We brought a few of the cheaper Binax kits in addition to the more expensive video monitored tests. I was thinking we could all test before the official one just to know. We ended up getting colds that included Covid symptoms, so we used the tests earlier than planned. If you have access to the cheaper home tests, I recommend packing some just in case. Everyone in our family ended up using one to give us some assurance we didn’t get Covid during the trip.

My trip is end of January. I am bringing 6 Binax tests recommend by United for official results. As the rules stand today, these are still good for a (negative) return to the US right?

Question, we are vaccinated and have boosters, so in theory we do not need a test? But we will get one anyway, is the Binax test acceptable for inbound to SXM?

Link to the test purchased
https://store.optum.com/shop/produc...el_ready_covid_test&utm_nooverride=1

As of now, you will not need to test prior to going to SXM, assuming your boosters will not be more than 9 months old. You will just need to upload a copy of your vaccine records as part of the EHAS approval process.

For the return, again as of now, the BinaxNOW test taken in SXM the day prior to leaving is acceptable for return to the US. You will just need to show it to the agents at the SXM airport.

Links to the official information is included in the first 3 posts at the beginning of this forum.

we have our test kits and still have another week, but it sounds like you didn’t have to wait much to connect live to the “proctor”/representative?

No, there was no wait at all. It might have been different later in the day, but we got right through between 7-8 a.m.

that’s good to hear…a month or two ago i had read about people having to wait an hour+ for a live connection 👍

we took our tests today…a couple comments regarding using an iPad…my wife was using her laptop for a work meeting, so i started the test process on my ipad…creating an account was no problem using the Navica App, but when i tried starting the actual test, i was told i had to log in the eMed website using a browser…then when i tried logging in to the site, i got an error saying my browser (Google Chrome) wasn’t supported, and that i had to use Safari…so i started up Safari and was able to log in using that

everything seemed fine until i got to the “Please wait as we connect you to a certified specialist “…i waited, and i waited, and i waited….after almost an HOUR, my wife finished her meeting and then started her test using the laptop…she was connected to a specialist with no wait…lol

so after she finished her test, i used the laptop for mine, and again no wait time

so i don’t know what luck others have had using an iPad, maybe i just had a rogue connection issue, but it might be good to have access to a laptop or desktop

and we were both Negative, so no extended vacation

Doe3s anyone know if American Airlines accepts BiNax test? I can't find it on website.

It's the arriving country that determines what tests are appropriate and BinaxNow (proctored) is acceptable for return to the USA

Previous post said only airline asked for test, not at US. United accepted Binax.

Yup...airlines have been handed that responsibility but the criteria is from the country you are returning to. Wouldn't make sense to ask for a neg test AFTER you arrived. Binax (proctored) is acceptable for return to the US...not airline specific

and to specifically answer your question, yes, AA will accept and allow you to board plane with Binax results

Are you able to use an iphone to conduct the test? All I have seen are laptops being used.
Thanks

Any smart phone will work along with any tablet. You just need to be prepared in advance to have something to lean your phone against as you are swabbing yourself so that the proctoring can watch you. It just takes a little more effort.

We used our android phones for the tests from Paris last Fall. Worked fine. Dh held my phone while I swabbed and I returned the favor. Super easy. Testing the 4 year old was a hot mess but that is another story. :p

Prepping for our visit ina month and wifey is feverish from her booster yesterday. Showing her warm pics of the beaches should smooth the achiness. 1teen not boosted and one unvaxxed, both w nat’l immunity from Delta as well so they will need a neg test to enter.

That said, I have to order at home kits for the return to US. Will check optum and Walgreens. Any others?

Best deal on six pack is here:

https://www.emed.com/products/covid-at-home-testkit-six-pack?hsLang=en

Based on CarolinaSailor's post I clicked on the link to order. Just so everyone knows, they only offer shipping via FedEx overnight. In my case that was going to be an additional $41.00.

So maybe not such a great deal.

Optum had free shipping when we ordered. They weren’t selling six packs, but the free shipping helped compensate for the higher cost per test.

Thanks. I'll check them out.

The Emed price with shipping is $32 each for the six pack. The Optum price for the 3 pack is $33 each, free shipping. More importantly, the 6 pack is currently available, while Optum is out of both 2 and 3 packs. About the same either way.

I bit the bullet and ordered from Emed. I guess a small price to pay for the opportunity to get to St. Martin (and back).

Submit to insurance. They are supposed to pay now.

It was the other way around when we were ordering. Optum had them in stock and Emed didn't. In an earlier post, I mentioned waiting until closer to departure to order just in case something changed with trip plans. However, with some websites running out, it may just make sense to buy when you can as long as they won't expire before you're supposed to leave.

Question... When ordering the Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test with eMed Telehealth Services for Travel - 2 Pack I am asked several questions about my purchase. Does this mean the 2 pack test is only for one person or can I also have my wife take the other test or does she also need to buy the 2 pack test for herself??
Dumb question I guess but I don't understand the purpose of the questions before I make the purchase. Any help would be most appreciated.

In my experience from about 8 weeks ago, the 2-pack contains 2 single tests, suitable for 2 people to each do a single pre-return test.

I purchased the 6 pack for the 3 of us and we used them to return to the US from France last Fall. Worked like a charm. Dh, dd, and myself all had individual accounts with the Navica app so our results were right there in the app on our phones in less than an hour after our proctored tests. One note, Navica said to set up our accounts and download the app prior to leaving home.

I would
Purchase more than 2 tests for 2 people. We had an issue and our test was disqualified. (I didn’t spin the swab - just sealed it). So the agent disqualified the test and I had to start another.

At the time you actually complete the purchase of the test, you will be asked for the name(s) of the people that will be taking the test. Also, create an individual account for each person being tested in the Navica app.

Is there a link for instructions for how to do this? Michael and I will be arriving (God Willing) on Saturday next week. And we are flying out in two fridays. I'd like to know exactly what I need to do to use this test.
Also, if you have a letter from your doctor saying that you recovered from Covid within the last three months, do we have to test at all?

This should cover everything: https://www.fda.gov/media/144574/download

Thanks but I know how to take the test. What I was hoping for was how to use the test with someone watching to use to get back into the US.

Laptop works best. But you can also use a tablet or smart phone.

The proctoring process should be covered in the instructions. If there’s anything that’s not discussed, I can possibly elaborate based on our experience. Overall, a good deal of guidance is given during the test, both from the proctor and through on-screen instructions and demonstrations.

Just re-reading this very informative post. Is BinaxNow the ONLY home test allowed for US return?

I have no experience with it, but Qured also has a home test for travel.

Qured Link

There are at least 5 rapid antigen test solutions that are proctored and accepted for travel back into the USA. The links below will take you to 2 different articles that will cover these solutions and most likely answer all of your questions. If there is more that you need to know, please just ask. The first article is from 6 Dec 21 and the 2nd article is from 14 Jan 22. There is some overlap in information.


Article 1 - Covering 3 tests

Article 2 - covering 4 tests


Hope this helps.

Much appreciated.

Thank you Tom for the link to the company you used. I now have two tests ordered and on its way for our upcoming trip next month.

Issues have been known to happen. I would have two per person in case of error! I had an issue where I didn’t twirl the swab in the card and it was disqualified!! Had to start over with a new test.

sorry, stupid question.. The reason everyone are choosing these tests over the tests done on the island (some are done directly in the hotels) is because it is cheaper? safer? more accurate? convenient? All o the above?

convenience

Thanks, We booked the Orient Beach hotel and we were told the test is done right in the hotel by certified nurse and the results are ready in an hour. It does not get anymore convenient that that.. and you don't need a laptop or phone with good wifi to have a video call with the official rep.. Am I missing something? These test kits are $69 for two tests. tests in the hotel is $50 per person... $30 difference for two..

I do it for convenience. It’s my own condo so I have a printer and I know my internet is good. We work when there so always have laptop or iPad. I can wake up anytime and get it done. Two trips ago I did it the day we left. Luckily (in an odd way). We all got Omicron for Christmas, so now don’t have to test for 90 days!!

We chose the Binax test for convenience and cost. There were three of us traveling, and we also were staying in an AirBnB. We'd stayed in the same place the year before, so we were pretty confident in the WiFi already. Also, as I mentioned, it was nice to get it out of the way early the morning of our last full day. However, if we'd had the option of someone coming to our apartment to test us, we probably would have considered that if the price was comparable and it worked with our schedule.

Thanks, In our case we will go with what hotel offers. We are not bringing laptop and I heard the wifi in the hotel is not that great. I was more worried that there are other reasons why you want to do your own tests (I heard stories from Mexico that some people got positive results and than were offered to "address" that for undisclosed amount of cash...)..

We are considering it for our next trip because we come home on a Monday, so would need to get tested on Sunday or Monday. I am too anal to get tested on the day of, so we will need to get tested on Sunday. The storefront locations are not open on Sunday. So we will need to either do a home test or get a nurse to come to our place.

Just back from 10 days on Island. Last 7 at Royal Palm. Brought six " kits" with us from home for four people as they worked great for a Florida cruise in December. Issue we had was finding quality Wifi. RP's paid for best package was not good enough to complete twenty minute process. Kept dropping, freezing up....we tried BBB and other local places but no signal was consistent enough to complete the test. Very frustrating. We did not have international Verizon package to test the hot spot ability. Thankfully, there are several start up companies that will come to your room to test if you ask around for 70/80 per test. There was a nurse at swim up bar and a waiter at BBB who do the test for cash and certify with paperwork plus email results. Brought the kits back with us...lol

Yes, that would be my concern, getting good wifi. Royal Palm wifi has historically been pretty bad.

One other comment based on conversations with several other RP vacationers using the "in-house" testing is that there were no "positive" tests....

" (I heard stories from Mexico that some people got positive results and than were offered to "address" that for undisclosed amount of cash...).."
That goes right a;long with the people selling fake CDC Vaccine cards.

I know... And if you are stuck in the foreign country (even if it is a paradise like St Maarten) you do everything possible to get home... And it does not matter that in home there are more positive cases (in US) than anywhere in the world, but this positive result (valid or not) prevent you to get on the plane... I think it is time for US to eliminate testing rule for the flights back to US - or at least for those who are vaccinated. Just my opinion.

" I think it is time for US to eliminate testing rule for the flights back to US - or at least for those who are vaccinated. Just my opinion."
I would agree with that but just for US citizens.

Supposedly, most of the major airlines feel the same way and have contacted politicians about it as it is hindering or stopping some from international travel.

LINK

Great idea and now very appropriate....(removing testing for return requirement)

honestly, Im debating the same vs the binax homeAG. I don't recall wifi at the Royal Islander but not sure where to get the tests near Maho vs take the $150 plunge. Anyone know if Sonesta or RIC have testing sites? Ive sent an email to RIC. Keep y'all posted if I hear anything

Yes to RI having Wi-Fi. And yes to them having testing. I’m not sure the costs but I have read on several pages on FB that they offer testing right there

Thanks. I’ll check Fb now. May just do on-site it not too much more $.

Oh for those who bought from emed, where shipping was $41, how long did it take to arrive by mail?

Shipping was FedEx overnight air for me and it only cost me $16.

So the test must be proctored. The BinaxNow tests which CVS sells do not qualify?

Correct.

One point of clarification for those it may help/enlighten:

If ordering the 6-pack Binax from emed, its for UP to 3 people. (so $50 per person)

I was under the wrong assumption that the 6-pack test would cover a family of 4 with 2 extras just in case.

Given that enlightenment, & the potential hope that the return testing *may* soon go away & that I wouldn't be stuck with a test kit we dont need, Im not bothering with home test.

In response to FatCat04, the captain and others; I contacted Emed customer service, please see response below:

Anel Batista (eMed)

Feb 13, 2022, 12:25 PM EST

Hello,

I'm more than glad to assist you today. Yes, you can share the six pack kit as long as each individual has their own Navica account. I hope this information helps.

Best,

Ross
eMed Customer Support

The fact that the site only allows you to initially associate only three names is somewhat misleading. They do this to encourage you to buy two tests per person, in my opinion.

6 pack is fine for 4 people. You will have two extra in case someone messes up.

We received the same response as CarolinaSailor when we asked about sharing. For us, once free shipping was factored in, it was cheaper to buy two 2-packs from Optum than six from Emed. We only had three people traveling, though. The fourth test was an extra just in case something went wrong.