Has anyone used the iHealth proctored tests for re-entry to the U.S. instead of the Binax ones? What was that experience like? Any difficulty with the appointment system? Do you really need a laptop or desktop computer or is it doable on a tablet, just not “optimized”?
I have a few of the iHealth boxes just sitting at home, it seems like such a waste to buy new tests for my trip, but if the process to use them is too complicated then I would rather know now!
KatC, my sister just used it yesterday for her 14-year-old daughter, because it had to be done at 3:30am (long story!!). They need the tests for a cruise they're going on in two days. Sis said it worked just fine. They used a laptop -- the iHealth site notes that the service doesn't work on phones or tablets, but Sis didn't test that.
Sis said the process was easy. iHealth emails a link a couple of days before the scheduled appointment. They got on the video call together (adult had to accompany the minor). They ask to see your ID, which you show, then confirm your date of birth. Then you are directed to progress through the test. The proctor comes back in 15 minutes to see the result. The certification was emailed right away.
Keep in mind you'll need to pay $25 each for the video testing component.
Thanks for the info! Big yikes about the 3:30 am test but it’s good they were able to get an appointment when they needed it!
Hopefully someone else will be able to weigh in on the laptop question.
Used a couple of the free ihealth test kits we got from the government last week when I worried I might have covid. Turned out I didn't so both were negative. But it made me wonder - if you don't stay online the entire time how the proctor knows you didn't substitute test kits.
Be aware the the iHealth proctored Covid tests require a PC or laptop connection. It is not supported by phone or tablet.
Thanks laknightca! I’m aware that’s what they specify in their online instructions, but often these kinds of guidelines are stated more conservatively than they need to be in order to prevent common technical issues (or because the software simply wasn’t tested on a mobile browser, so they don’t want to vouch for it), and are not actual strict requirements. I won’t be traveling with a laptop, so I wanted to see if anyone who had actually tried this type of proctored test had any thoughts about how strict the requirement really is “on the ground” so to speak.
I think at this point I’ll probably expect to find a local pharmacy the day before my return flight and try to get a test done there. Or fingers crossed that the requirement will be dropped by the time I fly home in late May!
I hope someone who has tried this on a phone will weigh in! The instructions say to use the Chrome browser. So I wonder why I can't just access the internet on my phone via the Chrome browser. How would the system even know I'm using a phone? It would be great to put those free tests to good use.
If you really want to know, there is a simple solution. Purchase a proctored test experience, try doing it on your phone, and see if it works.
I'm interested in seeing if anyone has experience with doing the iHealth test on an iPad or iPhone as well. I will be in a small town in Italy the day before my flight and I'm trying to avoid bringing a laptop for JUST this reason. I ordered the tests and didn't see the tech requirements until after booking our test times, so I am now nervous and we leave for our trip in 2 days (though we have time while in Italy to find an alternative, if necessary).
I read on another blog where the person dropped her phone in the middle of the proctored test and it was invalidated because she was out of sight. She suggested if using a phone, have someone else hold it so there is no loss of visual contact.
Is this test valid in Italy?
@wogrady
I know you are struggling with that positive test from the pharmacy. Do you have iHealth tests with you? Do you have access to a computer? If so, you could make an appointment with the IHealth telemedicine team for a proctored test that would be accepted as an official test.
Without the proctored/telemedicine aspect, it would not be an official test.
LuLuD:
I read on another blog where the person dropped her phone in the middle of the proctored test and it was invalidated because she was out of sight. She suggested if using a phone, have someone else hold it so there is no loss of visual contact.
iHealth does not support using a phone or tablet for the video link - only a PC or laptop with a webcam (Mac or PC with the Chrome browser). So holding a phone is not going to be relevant for their test.
So quick update from my end—my brother just traveled back to the US from Mexico and used a proctored iHealth test for his re-entry. He did use a laptop for his, but he said he’s pretty sure it would work on a mobile device, just might require some finagling since their video chat client didn’t load very smoothly even on a laptop browser. You would definitely need to have a very solid internet connection.
I’ll be bringing a few iHealth tests with me when my husband and I leave for Italy next week just to have and for peace of mind. I’ll update on this thread if we decide to try a proctored appointment.
iHealth says they don't support phones or tablets. So whether it would work or not is irrelevant. I certainly would not count on it working when you are needing the test to fly back to the US the next day:
https://ihealthlabs.com/products/ihealth-verified-covid-test-service
What are the technical requirements for this service?
A laptop or desktop computer with a stable and video-capable Wi-Fi connection is required. Aside from that, the computer must have a mic and a front-facing webcam. Currently, the only compatible web browser is Google Chrome. Tablets and smartphones are NOT supported.
AndrewH as I said upthread, I’m aware of what the stated technical requirements are, but also that these kinds of technical requirements are often overly conservative for liability or other reasons. My initial question was to check what people’s experiences have been “on the ground”. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem that anyone here has firsthand knowledge to contribute (yet). But surely anything that gives fellow travelers wider and more convenient options will be welcomed, so it’s worth a try to ask!
Kat, if you want to see if phones and tablets might be supported, call iHealh and ask them. 650-300-0821. There is no point in guessing.
I hope to have some experience with a proctored iHealth test in 4-6 weeks if all goes well...
Great information from Kentchristine, as IHealth is one that Viking cruise line recommends! (I've saved back a couple of the government ones for future use prior to our cruise.)
