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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: Jenni]
#240154
11/18/2020 02:55 PM
11/18/2020 02:55 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,988 Connecticut
The_Lurker
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,988
Connecticut
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We have heard, and I posted here, that people are using the home kits. They have posted that there was no problem.
I know by saying what I read, isn't a guarantee .
Last edited by The_Lurker; 11/18/2020 03:05 PM.
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: Jenni]
#240157
11/18/2020 03:12 PM
11/18/2020 03:12 PM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,088 Massachusetts
boucharda
Traveler
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Traveler
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Posts: 5,088
Massachusetts
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I guess it depends on whether the person checking the documentation goes by the rules that are in place or not. I would not risk it.... From the SXM Travel Requirements: A rt-PCR test for the SARS-COV-2 virus obtained from a naso-pharyngeal swab only and performed within 120 hours prior to departure to Sint Maarten (last leg in case of connecting flights) is required for all travelers originating from a country that is categorized as high or moderate risk. Other tests such as antibody tests or antigen tests and tests performed outside of this 120 hours period will not be accepted. Results from home covid-19 collection test kits will also not be accepted. Airlines might require you to show a negative lab test result.
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: Jenni]
#240163
11/18/2020 04:17 PM
11/18/2020 04:17 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
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Posts: 17,547
Ohio
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I have read elsewhere of these tests and supposedly they were accepted. It is not a source I would have 100% confidence in and therefore would go with what is currently advised by the SXM government.
I am also scheduled to visit in mid-March and will wait and see what the requirements are then. Way too early to make a decision this far out with regard to testing and what may or may not be acceptable.
J.D.
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#240165
11/18/2020 04:29 PM
11/18/2020 04:29 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,887 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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I agree with JD. I would be very wary of getting a test which is SPECIFICALLY not acceptable, according to the SXM online site. I would try harder to find an acceptable test. But, as JD said, a lot can change between now and March.
Carol Hill
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: Jenni]
#240168
11/18/2020 04:50 PM
11/18/2020 04:50 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,892 Portland, OR
jazzgal
Traveler
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Regardless of what the SXM website says, I know that SXM has been accepting home tests by Everlywell.. (That's a link.) These are nasal-swab tests, and results are available within 24-48 hours. The test is mailed to you. As I understand it, the test comes with a colored brochure on how to administer the test; there's also a video on their website. The test comes with a label for return. You are to return your test the same day it's taken via Fedex. This lab also provides a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company. If you are on Facebook, join the Simply SXM group and read posts by its administrator, Karen Chene O'Day, about her experience with the test.
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: jazzgal]
#240170
11/18/2020 05:07 PM
11/18/2020 05:07 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,887 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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If it were ME, no way in H*LL I would voluntarily do a test, which according to the written rules is NOT acceptable. Just because several people have done it, could just mean that people weren't paying attention when they looked at the results.
Last edited by Carol_Hill; 11/18/2020 05:08 PM.
Carol Hill
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: Jenni]
#240171
11/18/2020 05:11 PM
11/18/2020 05:11 PM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,088 Massachusetts
boucharda
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,088
Massachusetts
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Exactly.....It would be just my luck to get the agent that actually looks at the type of test
With that said it IS accepted in some destinations requiring a negative test....(Aruba and USVI for example)
Edit (again)....what ever happened to the October government statement that they were going to look at changing the types of tests required and mandate their own insurance? I thought there was a one week limit for a decision,,,,
Last edited by boucharda; 11/18/2020 05:17 PM.
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: Jenni]
#240173
11/18/2020 05:21 PM
11/18/2020 05:21 PM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,088 Massachusetts
boucharda
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,088
Massachusetts
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Aruba...but 3 days prior to departure which is a beeeeach....or testing on arrival for $75 assuming you can get on the aircraft
USVI,,,5 days prior
Last edited by boucharda; 11/18/2020 05:23 PM.
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: Jenni]
#240180
11/18/2020 05:41 PM
11/18/2020 05:41 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547
Ohio
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Thank you...it may just have to be USVI or Aruba. Sorry, I didn't know before I posted that they wouldn't accept mail in results. I definitely wouldn't want to chance it if they didn't accept it ahead of time. Before you get too upset and in a panic mode, I would give it some time. A LOT can change and if travel is restricted or cancelled, you should have recourse for a refund. A lot gets thrown out on different social media sites, some is accurate and some is not. By the time March comes, home tests may be accepted but personally, I would go with what is required at the time of travel and stated on the SXM government site. There may be some others tests getting through but there is always a chance that NOT having the required and proper test could result is some major travel issues. Good luck. Relax and see how the thing play out over the next few months. Things can also change for the USVI, Aruba or any other destination.
J.D.
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: Jenni]
#240184
11/18/2020 05:45 PM
11/18/2020 05:45 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 772
phillygirl7
Traveler
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Posts: 772
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stmaartenehas.com
That is where you go to look at the requirements for travel. They used to make you do this all in 3 days, and now it is 72 hours, which helps a lot with the testing requirements. You have to get the required test, then wait for the results. Once you get the results, you go to the portal on the stmaartenehas.com website, enter in all your travel information, download your test results, and wait for their approval. How I found the Clear Wellness in Chicago is they said results come back within 3 days, that was key for us. That gave us time to get our information into the portal, and we were both approved within 7 hours.
We had to show paperwork for the pre-approval in Chicago, Miami, and again in SXM. There were people in line in Miami that did not have the approval, they were not allowed to travel on to SXM.
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: Trinigerl]
#240191
11/18/2020 06:22 PM
11/18/2020 06:22 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,547
Ohio
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But, this is a St. Maarten discussion.
J.D.
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: jazzgal]
#240195
11/18/2020 06:54 PM
11/18/2020 06:54 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278 Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten
Traveler
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Regardless of what the SXM website says, I know that SXM has been accepting home tests by Everlywell.. (That's a link.) These are nasal-swab tests, and results are available within 24-48 hours. The test is mailed to you. As I understand it, the test comes with a colored brochure on how to administer the test; there's also a video on their website. The test comes with a label for return. You are to return your test the same day it's taken via Fedex. This lab also provides a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company. THANK YOU for posting that test information Linda. You may have just saved our Thanksgiving!! I am high risk and will not allow anyone to come into our home for the meal (M.I.L...lol) unless she is tested!!
"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest"
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: BeachKitten]
#240201
11/18/2020 07:37 PM
11/18/2020 07:37 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,887 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,887
Central Florida!
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Beachkitten--well, that is a whole different use of the test than I thought, but definitely useful for that purpose.
Carol Hill
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: Jenni]
#240207
11/18/2020 08:21 PM
11/18/2020 08:21 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,819 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
Traveler
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Traveler
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Posts: 18,819
Auburn, WA
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** Travel entry requirements updated to allow rapid antigen tests ** The Ministers of TEATT Ludmila de Weever and VSA Richard Panneflek have updated the entry requirements to include antigen testing with effective date of November 25th. Travelers to St. Maarten are required to complete a mandatory health authorization application via the Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) available on www.stmaartenentry.com and upload their negative RT-PCR test within 5 days or their negative antigen test result within 48 hours. Currently, the following antigen tests have been approved: Abbott (CGIA Panbio COVID-19 Ag rapid test), Becton Dickinson (CGIA BD Veritor COVID-19 test) and Roche (SD Biosensor F test). The list of acceptable tests is constantly being reviewed as government continues to seek the most accurate alternatives to the PCR test. “I’m happy with the addition of another test as this will assist in easing travel to St. Maarten since these specific antigen tests are readily available in our main tourist markets. In fact, one of our major airlines, Air France, is already using this test for travel between Paris and Guadeloupe, within the 48-hour window. Our island’s economy needs to return to pre-pandemic levels as safely and quickly as possible and this decision allows us to make the necessary adjustments to help improve load factors, thereby increasing the number of visitors and with it economic activity,” said Minister of TEATT Ludmila de Weever. The Minister of Public Health, Richard Panneflek, stated, “I am diligently working at the possibility of using antigen tests for the local population. This will allow us to further synchronize the protocols that CPS and ARS have been working on. Due to the improved accuracy of antigen tests, the realization of mass testing will be possible for St. Maarten in the near future, allowing for a more realistic depiction of our COVID-19 situation. However, PCR test will remain St. Maarten’s gold standard testing method.”
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#240283
11/19/2020 09:30 PM
11/19/2020 09:30 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,887 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,887
Central Florida!
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And again, the rapid tests approved are not the same as a home test, so home tests are not approved, as of now.
Carol Hill
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: rterrones]
#240328
11/20/2020 01:32 PM
11/20/2020 01:32 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,887 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,887
Central Florida!
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Again, just so we're clear, the most recent posts have to do with tests done at LABS, not a home test.
Carol Hill
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: mort]
#240382
11/20/2020 10:14 PM
11/20/2020 10:14 PM
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 390
Uksimonusa
Traveler
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Traveler
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Posts: 390
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I still don't understand the 120 hour requirement. So if my last leg to St. Maarten is at 10:30 am on a Thursday when should I schedule my test? No earlier that 10:30AM Saturday
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Re: At home FDA approved Rt PCR test
[Re: Uksimonusa]
#240389
11/21/2020 08:38 AM
11/21/2020 08:38 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 538
mort
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 538
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