Thanks to information posted by others here, my husband and I purchased the 6-test kit from Navica to test before returning to the USA from Switzerland. Since we each had 3 tests, and testing prior to departing the US was highly recommended by our Tour Company, we decided to test 72 hours before departure so we would know what to expect at the end of our trip.
We previously watched the instructional video on testing. This morning, we logged on via our cell phones because that is the device we will have with us in Switzerland. We both began testing at the same time (because I knew I'd have questions my husband could answer), so we used our wireless earbuds. Also, I was apprehensive that I wouldn't be able to understand the person on the line.
*We were helped almost immediately. The video stated your Passport was needed for I.D., so we had that handy, but other ID would suffice.
*The video also suggested disposable gloves, so we had that handy, but the proctor said gloves weren't necessary (I'm a very literal person, internalize every suggestion).
*In order for the proctor to "see" what you are doing, it was necessary to hold the phone in one hand, while I was doing something with the other hand....and not accidentally touch portions of the test paper that needed to be sterile. That was the hardest (awkward) part for me.
*When all the steps were completed, the proctor set the timer for 15 minutes and said I could leave. Which I did. Since I had the earbuds in, I figured he would begin talking when my time was up....NOT. I had to go back to my phone, and "click" to have my results analyzed. So I think I was a couple of minutes late. Next time I'll pay attention to the timer on my phone.
*Since my husband and I were doing the tests simultaneously, it was necessary for him to go to another room, so we'll figure out what we'll do when in our hotel room.
*I think doing the "monitored" test will be great because we can do it at our convenience 3 days before we return from Switzerland. At the beginning of the test, it said it would take about 25 minutes.
I hope someone who purchased or is thinking of purchasing the kits might find my information helpful.
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1601 posts
My wife and i found it easier to do it one at a time, that way the other person could manipulate the camera freeing the test taker to focus on the tasks to be done. Also, remember to take some extras. My wife kit was missing the adhesive to close up the test and hence was rejected. Luckily I had taken a couple of extras just for issues like this.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6471 posts
Great information, Carol. How much were the tests?
Posted by
OP
Southern Oregon
682 posts
Arnold, I think what you and your wife did was the best choice. There was some apprehension in taking the test for both of us, so we decided to do it "together." There would be more of a chance for "mishaps" the way we did it.
Jules: The 6 tests were $150+$16.50 for overnight shipping. We went through the United site, and I think there was a 2-test kit available. The convenience of an "in-place" test for us was important because we didn't want to find a test site mid-day while we were in Luzern. Hoping to head to the mountains early.
Posted by
Chicago
3130 posts
Carol, thanks for the great info!!! I bought two 6-packs for the three of us so we have plenty of extras if needed. I'd rather have too many than not enough. Plus, I figured we'd need extras if one of us happened to test positive and we all end up needing to retest. I do wish the boxes were smaller, but I did a practice pack today and can easily fit them all in my carry on. Thanks again and safe travels. Enjoy Switzerland!!!
Posted by
Franklin, TN, USA
920 posts
This is great……thank you!
Posted by
San Diego, California
5606 posts
Very helpful- thx so much. These eases my overall nervousness about this whole trip, which I'm committed to, but still anxious about "another shoe dropping" which would be out of our control .
Safe travels!
Posted by
OP
Southern Oregon
682 posts
Pat,
"It's all good!" We WILL have a wonderful trip. Southern Oregon has very high COVID cases because our county has a very low vaccination percentage, except for our town. So, it will be wonderful to be out in the fresh air of Switzerland, eating good cheese, and drinking pure water.
A friend of mine just sent a photo of herself on the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence. She is having a wonderful time, eating her way through Florence!
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA
11 posts
Great info Carol! I just purchased the 6 pack and it was delivered today. According to Verifly, the American Airlines and British Airways covid app tool, we will be able to scan these results into the app and it should work! This test was originally developed for United but it’s nice to see other carriers joining with Abbott Labs!
Dan
Posted by
Jersey Shore
339 posts
We are flying United to Greece on Sept 19. We just got our 6 pack of tests yesterday. Thanks for the information. Every little bit helps to get through these crazy times...
Posted by
San Diego, California
5606 posts
Carol,
did you log on to Navica first or Emed first? I know you need a Navica account set up beforehand. Thx so much!
Posted by
Chicago
3130 posts
Pat, you go to emed.com first. When you click on start test, you will be prompted to log into your Navica account.
Posted by
OP
Southern Oregon
682 posts
Pat, Yes, Carrie has done her research. She's correct.
We didn't know, so we each clicked on our Naciva App, but then were directed to go to Emed.com, where we then "logged into" our individual Navica account.
Posted by
Los Angeles
972 posts
I bought a 6-pack for three of us too!
Carol, does each person need to register on emed and download the Navica app on their phone or just the purchaser?
Also, I assume there is a way to take this test on our laptops.
Posted by
Chicago
3130 posts
Calimom, no need for everyone to register on emed, but each person will need to create their own Navica app. The emed part works without an initial log in to emed. So, you go to emed.com and click on start test (without logging in). Then you will be promoted to log into your Navica account. Each person has their own account as the test results can be viewed on the Navica app. You also have the option to print out the test results. And yes, you can easily go to emed on your laptop.
I called emed a few weeks ago and had everything explained to me as it was a little confusing.
Posted by
OP
Southern Oregon
682 posts
Carrie,
You have made everything "so easy" for the rest of us heading to Switzerland, by researching everything so thoroughly.
Thanks to you we bought the discounted Swiss Travel Pass and the Navica Tests. It will be so nice to be able to test at our convenience.
I hope you are rewarded by not only seeing the lonely cows with bells, but an actual "Cow Parade!" We saw two on our first trip to Switzerland.
Posted by
Los Angeles
972 posts
Thank you Carrie! Appreciate it!