TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin BinaxNOW Home Test Experience

We're back from our trip, and I wanted to give an update on my experience using the BinaxNOW Ag Card Home Test for reentry into the United States. In short, it worked well, and I'd recommend it to anyone traveling.

We bought four tests for three people using Optum.com. We bought the extra just in case something went wrong, but we only needed the three. The materials in the kit are essentially the same as what you'd find in the Binax tests available at Walmart. I'd used the cheaper, non-video monitored ones before, so the test itself was familiar. If you're considering this as an option and are curious, you could always just buy the $14 kit and try it out. If you're able to administer that one, you'll be fine with the other.

We downloaded the Navica app and created Emed accounts before we left the United States. When it was time to test, we just logged into Emed.com on our computers. The app is one way to receive results, but they are also emailed to you, so I think it would be possible to just skip the app completely if you're not comfortable with that. I'd still recommend creating your Emed account online before leaving, though.

The process of testing was very simple and a lot of guidance was provided:

1. We went to Emed.com, chose "start testing" from the home page, and then logged in using the Navica username and password we'd already created.
2. We answered a few questions about if we had an unopened test, if our hands were clean, if we had a photo ID, our airline, current location, and about the purpose of the test.
3. The next screen ensured our device was ready and tested the camera and audio on our computers. Steps 1-3 can all be done before actually talking to anyone, so you could definitely check your connection before you were ready to test.
4. Once that was done, we were connected with a representative that guided us through the test. The representative asked us to hold a QR code on the test up to the camera as well as show our ID. We then had to put the test on a flat surface and show them it was there. The next step was to actually do the test, which is all covered here: https://www.fda.gov/media/144574/download. It takes about two minutes if you've done one before. It may take a little longer if you're reading or following the on-screen instructions.
5. When the test had been administered, the representative started a 15-minute clock and then a video played about Covid while we waited. You can walk away from the screen, so you don't have to just sit there.
6. After 15 minutes, we were prompted by a beep to have the results reviewed and then clicked a button on the screen to get reconnected to a representative.
7. We then held up the tests to let them review the results and ensure the QR code matched up. Once that was done, the test was over.
8. The final step was receiving the results through email and the app.

In total, all three of us were able to test and get the results within an hour. We had two people testing at the same time on two different computers and then did the third test afterward since it was for our younger son and he needed help. Had we really been trying, we probably could have done it all within 30 minutes or less. We were able to do everything from our AirBnB, and were finished by 8 a.m. the day before we left.

At the airport the next day, we showed the Delta representative the negative results on the app. I think she was expecting a PDF version, which is what you receive via email, but she accepted the app results. Considering that, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have the PDF version downloaded to your phone or at least easily accessible through your email. That's the only thing I would have done differently. We were not asked for any test results once we arrived in the United States.

Thanks for the report. Since we are returning on a Monday next time, we may end up having to do this, if the testing requirement to re-enter the US is the same as now.

We have used this test several times returning to US from Sint Maarten and it works well…Very easy and convenient. Takes less than 30 minutes start to finish.

We have also used it for entry into Sint Maarten two times with 3 different people each time with no issues. Not sure if it is still viable with new rules on January 1st.

Yes! Have used them several times now to come back to the US. And also to enter the island once.

What was the expiration date on the tests? In other words, once you receive, how long are they generally good for? Just want to make sure I don't order too soon if they have a short shelf life. Thanks.

I think they have a 6 month life.

The one remaining test we have has an official expiration of Nov. 5, 2021. However, we received a note in the shipment saying the expiration had been extended three months and would be good until February. We ordered the tests at the end of November, so we only had about two months to actually use them once they arrived. When we placed the order, there was a message on the site saying the expiration could be pretty soon. That message is no longer showing up, so hopefully they will be good for a while after you get them.

We too had a great experience with it when coming home from France a couple months ago. Super easy. We plan to do it again this winter when we travel.

Regarding the current expiration dates of the BinaxNOW home test, I ordered a 2-pack a week ago and they are good until November 6, 2022.

That's good news. I have been thinking about ordering some to have, just in case, as testing is very difficult to get around here. Our next trip is in June, so we could order them and use for June if necessary. That might be the way to go.

That's what I've been doing - keeping a few on the shelf. One other thing to consider is bringing a test kit to SXM with you. I've talked to a few people who have chosen to do a home test on the island before going for their official US-required return-home test, just so that they have a better idea what their official results will be.

The supply of home test kits has dried up in many areas. I don't know if this is going to be an ongoing problem, or if it is the result of extreme demand around Christmas and New Years.

Abbott's BinaxNOW is the brand that we've been talking about here, but there are others, which are in equally short supply right now. When shopping, if "collection kit" is in the product name then you'll be shipping a swab to a lab, rather than home testing.

Another thing that I've heard from people is that delivery times for test kits which are bought on the internet have been extended, beyond what they were told when they purchased. Again, I don't know if that is the result of seasonal shipping delays or extreme demand around the holidays.

My kit was delivered last week in 2 days. And I plan to use one for my official test for return to the US in February, providing the rules don't change again.

That was our plan initially. We brought a few of the cheaper Binax kits in addition to the more expensive video monitored tests. I was thinking we could all test before the official one just to know. We ended up getting colds that included Covid symptoms, so we used the tests earlier than planned. If you have access to the cheaper home tests, I recommend packing some just in case. Everyone in our family ended up using one to give us some assurance we didn’t get Covid during the trip.

My trip is end of January. I am bringing 6 Binax tests recommend by United for official results. As the rules stand today, these are still good for a (negative) return to the US right?

Question, we are vaccinated and have boosters, so in theory we do not need a test? But we will get one anyway, is the Binax test acceptable for inbound to SXM?

Link to the test purchased
https://store.optum.com/shop/produc...el_ready_covid_test&utm_nooverride=1

As of now, you will not need to test prior to going to SXM, assuming your boosters will not be more than 9 months old. You will just need to upload a copy of your vaccine records as part of the EHAS approval process.

For the return, again as of now, the BinaxNOW test taken in SXM the day prior to leaving is acceptable for return to the US. You will just need to show it to the agents at the SXM airport.

Links to the official information is included in the first 3 posts at the beginning of this forum.

we have our test kits and still have another week, but it sounds like you didn’t have to wait much to connect live to the “proctor”/representative?

No, there was no wait at all. It might have been different later in the day, but we got right through between 7-8 a.m.

that’s good to hear…a month or two ago i had read about people having to wait an hour+ for a live connection 👍

we took our tests today…a couple comments regarding using an iPad…my wife was using her laptop for a work meeting, so i started the test process on my ipad…creating an account was no problem using the Navica App, but when i tried starting the actual test, i was told i had to log in the eMed website using a browser…then when i tried logging in to the site, i got an error saying my browser (Google Chrome) wasn’t supported, and that i had to use Safari…so i started up Safari and was able to log in using that

everything seemed fine until i got to the “Please wait as we connect you to a certified specialist “…i waited, and i waited, and i waited….after almost an HOUR, my wife finished her meeting and then started her test using the laptop…she was connected to a specialist with no wait…lol

so after she finished her test, i used the laptop for mine, and again no wait time

so i don’t know what luck others have had using an iPad, maybe i just had a rogue connection issue, but it might be good to have access to a laptop or desktop

and we were both Negative, so no extended vacation

Doe3s anyone know if American Airlines accepts BiNax test? I can't find it on website.

It's the arriving country that determines what tests are appropriate and BinaxNow (proctored) is acceptable for return to the USA

Previous post said only airline asked for test, not at US. United accepted Binax.

Yup...airlines have been handed that responsibility but the criteria is from the country you are returning to. Wouldn't make sense to ask for a neg test AFTER you arrived. Binax (proctored) is acceptable for return to the US...not airline specific

and to specifically answer your question, yes, AA will accept and allow you to board plane with Binax results

Are you able to use an iphone to conduct the test? All I have seen are laptops being used.
Thanks

Any smart phone will work along with any tablet. You just need to be prepared in advance to have something to lean your phone against as you are swabbing yourself so that the proctoring can watch you. It just takes a little more effort.

We used our android phones for the tests from Paris last Fall. Worked fine. Dh held my phone while I swabbed and I returned the favor. Super easy. Testing the 4 year old was a hot mess but that is another story. :p

Prepping for our visit ina month and wifey is feverish from her booster yesterday. Showing her warm pics of the beaches should smooth the achiness. 1teen not boosted and one unvaxxed, both w nat’l immunity from Delta as well so they will need a neg test to enter.

That said, I have to order at home kits for the return to US. Will check optum and Walgreens. Any others?

Best deal on six pack is here:

https://www.emed.com/products/covid-at-home-testkit-six-pack?hsLang=en

Based on CarolinaSailor's post I clicked on the link to order. Just so everyone knows, they only offer shipping via FedEx overnight. In my case that was going to be an additional $41.00.

So maybe not such a great deal.

Optum had free shipping when we ordered. They weren’t selling six packs, but the free shipping helped compensate for the higher cost per test.

Thanks. I'll check them out.

The Emed price with shipping is $32 each for the six pack. The Optum price for the 3 pack is $33 each, free shipping. More importantly, the 6 pack is currently available, while Optum is out of both 2 and 3 packs. About the same either way.

I bit the bullet and ordered from Emed. I guess a small price to pay for the opportunity to get to St. Martin (and back).

Submit to insurance. They are supposed to pay now.

It was the other way around when we were ordering. Optum had them in stock and Emed didn't. In an earlier post, I mentioned waiting until closer to departure to order just in case something changed with trip plans. However, with some websites running out, it may just make sense to buy when you can as long as they won't expire before you're supposed to leave.

Question... When ordering the Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test with eMed Telehealth Services for Travel - 2 Pack I am asked several questions about my purchase. Does this mean the 2 pack test is only for one person or can I also have my wife take the other test or does she also need to buy the 2 pack test for herself??
Dumb question I guess but I don't understand the purpose of the questions before I make the purchase. Any help would be most appreciated.

In my experience from about 8 weeks ago, the 2-pack contains 2 single tests, suitable for 2 people to each do a single pre-return test.

I purchased the 6 pack for the 3 of us and we used them to return to the US from France last Fall. Worked like a charm. Dh, dd, and myself all had individual accounts with the Navica app so our results were right there in the app on our phones in less than an hour after our proctored tests. One note, Navica said to set up our accounts and download the app prior to leaving home.

I would
Purchase more than 2 tests for 2 people. We had an issue and our test was disqualified. (I didn’t spin the swab - just sealed it). So the agent disqualified the test and I had to start another.