Where To Get Rapid Pcr Test For Travel
If you're planning to travel soon, you'll need to get a COVID-19 test. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a rapid PCR test within 72 hours of your departure time. A rapid PCR test is a quick and accurate way to determine whether or not you have COVID-19. But where can you get a rapid PCR test for travel? In this article, we'll explore your options.
Pharmacies
One option for getting a rapid PCR test is to go to a pharmacy. Several pharmacy chains across the United States offer COVID-19 testing, including rapid PCR tests. Examples of pharmacies that offer rapid PCR tests for travel include CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. You can schedule an appointment online or by phone in most cases.
It's important to note that while rapid PCR tests can provide results quickly, they may not be available at all pharmacy locations, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, some pharmacies may require you to pay out of pocket for the test if you don't meet certain criteria, such as having symptoms or exposure to someone with COVID-19.
Urgent Care Centers
Another option for getting a rapid PCR test for travel is to visit an urgent care center. Urgent care centers are typically open seven days a week and offer a variety of medical services, including COVID-19 testing. Rapid PCR tests are often available, and results can be obtained within a few hours to a day.
It's important to call ahead or check online to make sure that the urgent care center offers rapid PCR tests and that you can get an appointment within the required timeframe for your travel plans. Keep in mind that urgent care centers may also require payment out of pocket for COVID-19 testing.
Specialty Testing Centers
There are also specialty testing centers that offer rapid PCR tests for travel. These centers are specifically set up to provide COVID-19 testing and often have a faster turnaround time for results than pharmacies or urgent care centers. Examples of specialty testing centers include CityHealth Urgent Care, which has locations in several major cities across the United States, and Carbon Health, which offers COVID-19 testing at its clinics in California and Nevada.
Keep in mind that specialty testing centers may also require payment out of pocket for COVID-19 testing, and that you may need to schedule an appointment well in advance to ensure you can get a test within the required timeframe for your travel plans.
At-Home Tests
Finally, another option for getting a rapid PCR test for travel is to use an at-home test kit. Several companies offer at-home PCR tests that you can order online and perform in the comfort of your own home. Examples of companies that offer at-home PCR tests for travel include Pixel by LabCorp and LetsGetChecked.
Keep in mind that at-home tests may not be accepted by certain airlines or countries, so make sure to check with your travel provider or destination to ensure that an at-home test is sufficient. Additionally, at-home tests may not be covered by insurance and can be more expensive than tests performed at a pharmacy, urgent care center, or specialty testing center.
Conclusion
Getting a rapid PCR test for travel is an essential step for ensuring the safety of yourself and those around you. Fortunately, there are several options for getting tested, including pharmacies, urgent care centers, specialty testing centers, and at-home test kits. Make sure to schedule your test well in advance of your departure time and check with your travel provider or destination to ensure that your test results will be accepted.