Type of device required for proctored COVID tests

Stick with Binax; you can also go to a pharmacy. I paid 15 euros two weeks ago in Milan; it took less than a half an hour to get a paper copy of the results and take a picture and upload them to the United airline ap and have them approved in order to check in and get a boarding pass 24 hours in advance

I’ve used the Binax with emed on my phone numerous times. (But I am taking the laptop anyplace in case I get stuck)

I was in London two weeks ago and used the BinaxNow test with my cellphone with no issue. Definitely get a stand that allows you to angle your phone down as you’re required to hold the camera on your test for 15 minutes.

More and more, I think just going to a pharmacy is so much easier than dealing with a proctored test. I might bring one along just in case, but I think I will stick with the pharmacy route. I'm guessing a lot of the tour members will do the same thing the day before departure.

I've heard of someone who dropped her phone while being proctored and the result was immediately invalidated by the proctor because she was out of sight. Her recommendation was to have a second person hold the phone for you or to bring another device that does not require your hands on it while completing the test. I paid 20 euros at a pharmacy in Paris last week for the test and walked out with the paper in 15 minutes.

We did our Binax tests using our iphone without problems. Before logging on for the test, we experimented with camera placement. It was really pretty easy to find a spot with it propped on a towel, and didn't need a special stand. I had read the post of the person whose phone had tipped during the test, so I kept that in mind when placing the phone. (Always helpful info here on the forum)

I was not using the hotel's wifi, and had no problem using my iphone with only 2 bars of service. That surprised me. I thought I would need better coverage.

We saw many pharmacies that were doing the testing in both Italy and London, so that would have been very easy to do also. The specific quarantine requirements of the country visited would affect my decision to self-test again. In Italy specifically, the proctored self test gives you a bit of breathing room to try to arrange your own quarantine accommodations should one test positive.

I don't have personal experience (yet), but Delta Airlines suggests Avoza proctored test that covers several home tests, $20 for the proctor session and you can pick/schedule the time in advance. I'm going to try it out in June using Flowflex tests purchased at Costco. https://www.azova.com/travelvideo/delta/ I also have plan B and C for testing locations if that doesn't work. From what I've read the iHealth proctor service is either completely booked or no longer available (unclear which). Too bad because those are the tests the federal government sent me in the mail this week :/

I thought about using my government tests too, but all the ones they've sent me expire in July and August. So unless they're going to send more closer to my September trip, those are useless. I plan to buy my own self and proctored tests to bring on my trip, just in case.

The expiration date has been extended on a lot of those tests
A Google search will give you a list

Awesome, thank you so much Christine! You are a gem!

I bought a lightweight foldable phone stand and it did help take the test except when I had to angle down. My husband ended up having to hold it angled down so they could look at everything on the table and for another 15 minutes facing the test itself on the table. The test can’t be moved.

If you buy one, make sure it angles down to face a table and has something to hold the phone to it securely. Perhaps just a heavy band of some sort would work.

I have dropped the phone, it wasn't an issue :)

They actually have me pick up the phone a couple of times and Hold it over the QR codes etc...

For me it's just easier to do it myself while I am packing than to spend time hanging around a pharmacy (with potentially sick people) I start the test, while it "cooks" I pack and then once they tell me it's done I sit back down, let them know I am back and get my final results.

The government tests (free ones sent by USPS) can’t be used as proctored tests. They are simply self tests.

I just did a proctored test with iHealth using a tablet. It says on their web site and in every confirmation email that cell phones and tablets are not supported, but when I contacted tech support they explained that the issue is with keeping your hands free so they can see them on camera. So if you have a stand that can support your device and they can see both hands and face on camera, and your device runs Chrome, you should be fine. Just make sure you have a stable and reliable wifi connection.

My experience with iHealth was very good. I clicked the link in the confurmation email and a few minutes later a proctor joined the session, walked me thru the test, came back 15 minutes later, read the test strip, and I had the negative result confirmation email within a couple of minutes.

I looked into Onpoint proctor testing and called their customer service number with a few questions.

First, you can make an appointment in a dedicated time zone. So, I can make an appointment in the US for a future appointment in Lisbon in Lisbon's time zone.

Also, you can use any smart device, including a phone. She said you just need to be able to connect to a Zoom link on your device.

I haven't booked my appointments yet but will be doing so very soon. I'll let you all know how it turns out!