Many places now reopening require a negative test result within a certain time period. Alaska for example requires (as the simplest of their available options) a negative molecular/PCR test within 72 hours of departure.
Problem is, that rapid tests are typically antigen as opposed to molecular/PCR, and regular tests are currently taking waaaay longer than 72 hours. I spent the better part of the day on the phone with various local (Monsey-area) testing sites and here are my results:
- Some places have no idea what molecular/PCR/antigen is in the first place, and transferred me to a nurse. These all had the same response: rapid is antigen and regular will take at least 5-7 days, possibly longer.
- Two places claimed that they can have results in 2-3 days, but when I showed up at the location they said no way before 5 days.
- Refuah Health Center (NS location) was one of them. Since I was in the room already, I asked to have a look at the rapid test they offered, then we Googled it together. Lo and behold, it was a molecular test, not antigen. Eureka!
I just got my results back, and indeed the report states molecular, which is perfect for where I'm going.
The test is the
Abbot ID Now COVID-19. If you have similar needs, call around and see who has this test.
Outside of Monsey:
- Elite Health Care in KJ claims to have a regular test back in 1-3 days, and this was confirmed by my travel companion who went to the location and discussed this with their director. We'll see if this does indeed pan out.
- Same thing with Dr. Rosen's office in Crown Heights - they claim results within 3 days.
In short, if you need a molecular/PCR test in a guaranteed short time window,
- Get a rapid at Refuah Health Center in New Square
- Look for someone doing
Abbot ID Now COVID-19 near you
- Never trust time frames given on the phone; even in person you'll get different answers, none of which may be accurate.