Abbott’s BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag At-Home Test Kit and my EXPERIENCE using it

[Sandy VDH]

I just returned from BVI to USVI and used.......
Abbott’s BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag At-Home Test Kit

NOTE the SELF version is not proctored and can NOT be used for entry into the US, but the HOME version can be used. Also not good for Canada as they require a PCR test.

It was cheaper and easier than the onsite testing available in BVI. I paid $70 for 2 tests, so $35 for the test, and it was covered by my HSA. Having a second test is a good idea in case you have a false positive. Right now it appears the eMed.com site is only selling 6 packs of tests. But it was selling 2 and 3 packs earlier, so maybe it is a stocking issue.

Registered in advance with Navica App, registered on eMed.com with that Navica login, took the test (they check your id, observe you opening the kit and note the test kit number then they observe you taking the test, then come back after 15 mins, and verify the test id again and the results), all over your phone or computer. You then got back test results in about 5 mins after test completion.

And I did the entire test, from the deck of the sailboat I was on.

So for US travelers looking to test to get back to the US, this may be cheaper and easier.

Just my experience.

 

[beejaybee]

DH and I each bought an unmonitored Binax test kit at a CVS in Seattle so that we could be assured we’d remained Covid free during our 7 day Alaska cruise before we continued on to spend time with family in Oregon.

The procedure was exactly the same as the proctered rapid tests we took at a nearby CVS in order to board ship with negative results and proof of complete vaccination. We self swabbed for each but returned the swabs in the solution through a window to the technician pre-cruise, waited for results via text, but looked at the results ourselves post-cruise.

Our cost was $23.99 per kit.

 

[Sandy VDH]

DH and I each bought an unmonitored Binax test kit at a CVS in Seattle so that we could be assured we’d remained Covid free during our 7 day Alaska cruise before we continued on to spend time with family in Oregon.

The procedure was exactly the same as the proctered rapid tests we took at a nearby CVS in order to board ship with negative results and proof of complete vaccination. We self swabbed for each but returned the swabs in the solution through a window to the technician pre-cruise, waited for results via text, but looked at the results ourselves post-cruise.

Our cost was $23.99 per kit.

Yes those can be purchased in CVS or Walgreens. Exact same test but NOT proctored. Good to know for yourself but good to travel.

 

[dmbrand]

I can second Sandy’s experience with the emed.com proctored Binax Now tests. It was a simple process to get the necessary antigen test results to re-enter the US. We still have two tests left, and will be using them for our return back from Mexico in January.

 

[Brett]

Yes those can be purchased in CVS or Walgreens. Exact same test but NOT proctored. Good to know for yourself but good to travel.

yes

 

[dioxide45]

We have been looking at these tests given we have a cruise booked for February where we need to test within three days prior to sailing (NCL). Unfortunately right now we can use/buy these tests as I think they are only valid through February 1st. Though I suspect they will get extended for longer. If we were traveling by air/land internationally we would certainly utilize these. Thanks for sharing your experience with them. We were kind of worried about how far up the swab had to go, but watching some of the videos about the test, I think we will be fine.

 

[easyrider]

I just returned from BVI to USVI and used.......
Abbott’s BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag At-Home Test Kit

NOTE the SELF version is not proctored and can NOT be used for entry into the US, but the HOME version can be used. Also not good for Canada as they require a PCR test.

It was cheaper and easier than the onsite testing available in BVI. I paid $70 for 2 tests, so $35 for the test, and it was covered by my HSA. Having a second test is a good idea in case you have a false positive. Right now it appears the eMed.com site is only selling 6 packs of tests. But it was selling 2 and 3 packs earlier, so maybe it is a stocking issue.

Registered in advance with Navica App, registered on eMed.com with that Navica login, took the test (they check your id, observe you opening the kit and note the test kit number then they observe you taking the test, then come back after 15 mins, and verify the test id again and the results), all over your phone or computer. You then got back test results in about 5 mins after test completion.

And I did the entire test, from the deck of the sailboat I was on.

So for US travelers looking to test to get back to the US, this may be cheaper and easier.

Just my experience.

Thanks for mentioning this. Am I understanding this right, you get the Navica app to do a zoom type self test ?

Bill

 

[klpca]

My husband and I also used it before our BVI trip. Unfortunately there are places where things can go wrong, and mine did. My proctor missed a step and it invalidated my results which left me scrambling to find another approved test. The store (Optum Store - online) that sold the test promptly refunded the test cost but my new test was $165 and of course I had the worry about getting my results in time. (I used Carbon Health at the airport in San Diego and had PCR results within 24 hours. They also offered a rapid test that would work for Hawaii but was not accepted by the BVI's in case anyone has an issue). For the future, I would order an extra test or know what your backup plan will be just in case something goes wrong. Having the test get invalidated was added stress that I really didn't need.

 

[dioxide45]

My husband and I also used it before our BVI trip. Unfortunately there are places where things can go wrong, and mine did. My proctor missed a step and it invalidated my results which left me scrambling to find another approved test. The store (Optum Store - online) that sold the test promptly refunded the test cost but my new test was $165 and of course I had the worry about getting my results in time. (I used Carbon Health at the airport in San Diego and had PCR results within 24 hours. They also offered a rapid test that would work for Hawaii but was not accepted by the BVI's in case anyone has an issue). For the future, I would order an extra test or know what your backup plan will be just in case something goes wrong. Having the test get invalidated was added stress that I really didn't need.

This is why we would consider the six pack even though we would only need two. If something gets messed up, you could take the second test right away.

 

[Sandy VDH]

Thanks for mentioning this. Am I understanding this right, you get the Navica app to do a zoom type self test ?

Bill

Navica app to register you, then eMed portal for the zoom like proctoring of opening and verifying the test ID, verifying your id and monitoring you taking the test. Then they wait the 15 mins come back online, verify your test ID again, and verify the test results. They then email you and send to the Navica app your test results.

Recommend that you have an additional test with you in case something goes wrong, or you have a false positive and require an additional test.

I brought 2 tests, but only had to use 1. Not every person needs a spare test, but having spares will save you some issues.

 

[hurnik]

Navica app to register you, then eMed portal for the zoom like proctoring of opening and verifying the test ID, verifying your id and monitoring you taking the test. Then they wait the 15 mins come back online, verify your test ID again, and verify the test results. They then email you and send to the Navica app your test results.

Recommend that you have an additional test with you in case something goes wrong, or you have a false positive and require an additional test.

I brought 2 tests, but only had to use 1. Not every person needs a spare test, but having spares will save you some issues.

So how do they verify that your test results are really from that same swab you took if they go offline for 15 minutes? I'm obviously not advocating someone cheat a test, but I'm just curious. I have 2 kits of the Abbott test at home, but so far have not had to use them (these aren't the proctored ones I have).

 

[Sandy VDH]

So how do they verify that your test results are really from that same swab you took if they go offline for 15 minutes? I'm obviously not advocating someone cheat a test, but I'm just curious. I have 2 kits of the Abbott test at home, but so far have not had to use them (these aren't the proctored ones I have).

The test has a QR code which they scan. You have to present the test again, and they validate the QR code is the same and that the test has not been tampered with.

 

[easyrider]

The test has a QR code which they scan. You have to present the test again, and they validate the QR code is the same and that the test has not been tampered with.

Hi Sandy, can you do this with a smart phone.

Bill

 

[Sandy VDH]

Hi Sandy, can you do this with a smart phone.

Bill

I did my test from the phone.

 

[dioxide45]

Do you do the test/proctor through the app?

 

[Sandy VDH]

Do you do the test/proctor through the app?

No emed website is where you go to get the test proctored. DO NOT open your test prior to the call. Open it when you are on the video call.

Navica App is to register yourself and get test results back. Also get back an email.

 

[Sandy VDH]

Do you do the test/proctor through the app?

No on the eMeds.com website. The app is where you register and then get your test results.

They check your ID to verify that the person registered in the Navica app is the person taking the test.

Then they scan the QR code on the test.

Then they have you open the test and swab and put the test in the solution, add the drops and then close the test with a seal.

When they come back after 15 mins, they check the test ID again, and verify there is no tampering with the seal.

then they send you the test results with you via the app and an email.

 

[Sandy VDH]

Purchase from here in sets of 2, 3 or 6.

Count on having a 1 spare test for every 2-3 people in case you get a false positive or you get a test that gets screwed up.

https://store.optum.com/shop/category/tests-devices/covid-19-home-tests/

 

[DavidnRobin]

I just ordered 2 online from Walgreens. Arrived by DoorDash in less than 20 mins! (No shipping charge, just tip).

We used it once before. I got the flu/cold a few months and tested negative, Robin was flying to see family so she also tested negative. Very relieved, I felt quite sick and panicked. I had just met with various Family members - some elderly.

Got them on Walgreens.com the time before - same deal. At the time - no brick&motor store had them in stock (it was torture driving around sick to CVSs, Walgreens, WalMarts) and then got them delivered in a few minutes after ordering online.
Crazy! Walgreens is at least 10 mins away. What are they doing - driving around with them in their cars (like cannabis delivery)?

Ironic, I spent years developing and utilizing results from these types of assays (antigen and antibody) in every biological matrix possible (serum, plasma, urine, tear drops, saliva, CSF…). Crazy to see these assays being sold over the counter after all these years.


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[Sandy VDH]

I just ordered 2 online from Walgreens. Arrived by DoorDash in less than 20 mins! (No shipping charge, just tip).

You ordered the SELF version not the HOME version (which is proctored).

 

[dmbrand]

This is the packaging for the proctored Home version that Sandy is referencing.

 

[DavidnRobin]

You ordered the SELF version not the HOME version (which is proctored).

Thanks for clarifying - I thought the discussion was around testing for visiting family/friends.
Regardless - tests are available.


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[Eric B]

I had ordered the 6-pack from eMed for traveling to Belize and returning to the U.S., but was able to get tested in Mexico for an equal or lower cost, so am keeping those for the next time. Nice to have as a back up or for places where the testing cost is higher. If we were traveling back directly from Belize, it would have been a $75 cost for each test, but flew back up via Cancun.

 

[jmhpsu93]

They were giving away the Binax SELF tests at BWI last week when you entered the country. I was thinking I could resell them easily on eBay for a handsome reward.

(Won't actually do that - it'll be nice to have the kits if we need them).

We tested at our resort in Mexico the day before we came back...$30 for an Antigen test and the process was really simple.

 

[dioxide45]

Do these tests no longer have the 2/1/2022 expiration date? Previous information on their website indicated that the tests were only approved for use through 2/1/2022, but I can no longer find any reference to that on the eMed website.