Med First can help you prepare.
We offer the COVID–19 testing that is required for travel.
International travel is starting to become more common as we look forward to the 2022 spring break and summer seasons. The CDC has not changed travel requirements, and many countries still have either testing or vaccinations required for entry.
If you are planning an international trip, you will need to know the entry requirements of that country as well as the rules for re-entry to the U.S. Be aware that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, still needs to show a negative test, usually no more than 1 day before coming back to the U.S.
Travel sites, such as Sherpa (travel and health restrictions) can guide you to the information you need for COVID-19 test requirements, quarantine protocols, and entry/exit restrictions for any country. It is also a good practice to visit the U.S. Embassy & Consulates website for the country you plan to travel to. For U.S. travel information, you can visit the CDC’s travel recommendation page.
Once you know which test you need, Med First can help you prepare by offering the required tests that will allow you to travel anywhere in the world.
There are two different types of tests – diagnostic tests and antibody tests.
Diagnostic tests can show if you currently have an active COVID-19 infection and need to take steps to quarantine or isolate yourself from others.
The types of diagnostic tests available are molecular and antigen. These tests are either rapid which means they are processed and resulted in the clinic while you wait, or they are swabs that are sent to an outside laboratory for processing and are usually resulted in two to three days.
Med First offers the following diagnostic testing:
Rapid COVID Molecular (NAAT) – This test is a nasal swab that is processed in the clinic during your appointment, typically producing results in about 20 minutes. This test will show if you have a current Covid-19 infection and is offered at select Med First locations.
COVID PCR – This test is a molecular point-of-care test that uses a nasal swab to detect unique proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19. This test rules out if you have a current infection and is typically considered more sensitive than the Antigen test. This test is sent to Quest laboratories for processing and results may take 1-3 days. Med First offers this test at select locations.
Rapid Antibody tests look for antibodies in your immune system that are produced after about 2-3 weeks, in response to you being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Antibody tests are not used to diagnose an active COVID-19 infection. These tests use a blood sample from your fingertip, (which is similar to having your blood sugar checked), and produce results in about 20 minutes. This test is offered at all locations.
Summer is coming and many of us are planning to get together with friends and family, or finally, enjoy international travel again. At Med First, we do our best to meet your needs by offering you the healthcare services you need. We offer Covid-19 testing as well as the Covid-19 vaccine and booster in most of our locations.
Be informed, stay prepared, and get ready for summer fun by taking the precautions needed to keep you and your family healthy.
Looking for a covid-19 test near you? Self-schedule your own appointment by clicking on the button below to choose your nearest location and book, call our appointment center, or walk in today!