Travelling from USA to UK - Anyone used Walgreens' ID Now test successfully?

[DaisyJ 35]

Hi all! My husband is coming to visit me from the US just after I have my London interview on 10th Sept. We're trying to work out which test that is easily accessible is best; the PCR tests are so anxiety inducing as you're not guaranteed to get the results in time. Everything I have seen suggests the Abbott's ID Now tests you can take at Walgreens meet the requirements. You get the results within 24 hours which is perfect, and on traveladvisor I've seen success stories...But has anyone here/their partners had experience using them to get into UK? 

To save confusion, he's double jabbed with Pfizer so he won't have to isolate; this is just about getting him in successfully so we can see each other for the first time since Christmas! 

 

TIA x

[JeanneAdil 6,322]

Proof of the test is seen by airline when he checks in so research what the airline requires

i know August 1st Air France said PCR test done 72 hours before the flight

 

when Adil flew out the check in  but desk at airport looked at papers but no one at POE here in the states did

even though US says PCR , they seem to depend on airlines 

 

whatever is ok with UK, and airlines,  go for that 

[DaisyJ 35]

18 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

Proof of the test is seen by airline when he checks in so research what the airline requires

i know August 1st Air France said PCR test done 72 hours before the flight

 

when Adil flew out the check in  but desk at airport looked at papers but no one at POE here in the states did

even though US says PCR , they seem to depend on airlines 

 

whatever is ok with UK, and airlines,  go for that 

The UK allows different types of tests as long as it means specificity and sensitivity percentages required are met. Everything I've seen suggests the ID Now tests meets them. Just wanted to hear more experiences of them being successful for entry. Not that I'm worrying too much, or anything... 

[Just Paul 4,591]

1 hour ago, DaisyJ said:

To save confusion, he's double jabbed with Pfizer so he won't have to isolate; this is just about getting him in successfully so we can see each other for the first time since Christmas! 

If he wants to do the at home version - He needs the test kit that you do while being monitored on video chat.  I've used the BINAXNOW one many times.  Some drug stores have it.   You can get them on Amazon or from the manufacturer.   They are labeled "Do Not Open" until instructed or something similar.   I'm at a conference, have some with me and I will post a pic later!

 

Otherwise any lab based rapid meeting the CDC guidelines works. 

 

In either case we upload the results into VeriFLY and it attaches to our Flight Records on American Airlines via LHR

Edited August 30, 2021 by Paul & Mary

[Just Paul 4,591]

here is the picture.  According to Abbot the retail travel kits are only available in certain states.   I have gotten a bunch via Amazon and Abbott. Get the two pack incase there is an issue.  Don't get the six pack because they do expire.  It is just a nasal swab kit.  It have had mixed results getting the video done.   Usually had to wait just a few minutes but had one that had a 4 hour wait.   They watch you unbox it, swab yourself, and do the test.   It's super easy.    The correct version does cost (much) more the than non travel versions.   They are not interchangeable.  

[blchaddy 15]

On 8/30/2021 at 12:35 PM, DaisyJ said:

Hi all! My husband is coming to visit me from the US just after I have my London interview on 10th Sept. We're trying to work out which test that is easily accessible is best; the PCR tests are so anxiety inducing as you're not guaranteed to get the results in time. Everything I have seen suggests the Abbott's ID Now tests you can take at Walgreens meet the requirements. You get the results within 24 hours which is perfect, and on traveladvisor I've seen success stories...But has anyone here/their partners had experience using them to get into UK? 

To save confusion, he's double jabbed with Pfizer so he won't have to isolate; this is just about getting him in successfully so we can see each other for the first time since Christmas! 

 

TIA x

I use a rapid antigen test when I travel to UK to visit my husband. I’ve used the one from CVS and it was fine and have traveled a couple times this year already. Results were back in 15 minutes. I also have used the rapid test at PhysicianOne Urgent Care—Not sure if they have them in your area.