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Odd timing issue re: proctored Binax Abbot test; iHealth "sold out" of proctored appointments?

Thought I'd share two tidbits of info re: proctored selftests.

I got back from France a week ago; my partner stayed on an extra week. I tested using iHealth and its proctored service; I did the test right after midnight the day before I would be flying, just to get it out of the way (I was also staying in a private residence where I could hole up if I tested positive, so wanted to know ASAP if I was positive -- fortunately, I was negative).

My partner thought he'd also do a just-after midnight test, this time using the Binax test/eMed service. The problem, as we discovered, is that eMed uses UTC time as the time of the test, which was two hours behind France; thus, the emailed PDF result was dated for 10:30pm the previous day, not 12:30am on the day we needed (see the eMed FAQ for an explanation of UTC and testing time: https://www.emed.com/contact-us). Apparently, had we used the Navica app, the local time would have appeared correctly.

I uploaded the test to United Airlines, and of course it was rejected; my partner used another Binax test in the morning to get the proper date on the result.

Moral of the story is, I guess, use the Navica app, be aware of the UTC time for the date you require, and bring an extra test or two!

Re: iHealth -- it appears that they are "sold out" of the proctored service. There is no explanation on their web page or Twitter account. This has apparently been going on since early May; if you already bought the service, you can still set up appointments. I used mine on May 9.

Posted by
4698 posts

Navica is the app E-Med Abbott uses for results of the proctored tests.

Posted by
103 posts

To clarify, you do not HAVE TO use the Navica app in order to take the test -- my guy used his laptop. But as Pat notes, the app may make it easier to share results with your airline.

Posted by
2768 posts

This UTC issue is really good to know. I’ll be using the test in Greece, which is 3 hours off so I guess I need to test after 3AM. Thanks!

Good grief, this whole test to come home is so frustrating. Thanks for the heads up. Hadn't thought about that, last year we tested in the late afternoon in Greece plus it was two days not the silly one day. I wish it would just go away.

Posted by
103 posts

Aimee, while in Paris I was chatting with a friend who's a college professor there, and planning a conference. She says educators who are parents say they can't come because they can't afford to get stuck in Europe and have child care problems. I just don't know what these tests are accomplishing at this point, except for making $$$ for the test kit companies.

Posted by
247 posts

yes the Navica app needs to be used in tandem with E-Med
also recommend registering on EMed/Navica and trying the whole thing out one time before the day of the test - you can cancel once they initiate a proctor search. carry 2 tests (Abbott is also recommending this esp if you get a false reading a first time)

for others' reference here is an easy to follow step-by-step from Abbott (which someone posted here but i could not find easily from Navica or E-Med) https://i.gocollette.com/files/pdfs/cibt/abbott-user-guide---condensed-092121.pdf

Fwiw I was told by OnPoint that if you select the local time zone when making your appointment that is what the test will show.