Usefulness of Binax proctored test if US entry rules change?

i am in the same boat regarding a trip later this month - caved in and got a 2-pack. (i think) the entry requirements were recently updated to "no changes". they may update it again early May? who knows. since they also have a 6 month expiry (and this depends on date of manufacture, not when you purchase it), I would purchase it closer to date of travel esp if you are purchasing a 6 pack

Keep in mind too that the tests have expiration dates. So, you wouldn't want to purchase them too early.

Well, so far my extended family has used these tests to travel, to cruise, to be allowed back in school, and to be able to return to the workplace. They have had multiple uses. What happens going forward is anyone’s guess.

Is the value of having a test kit you know will work, just in case, worth the cost of the test kit to you?

Its just too hard to predict what circumstances you would need a documented antigen test result here at home. Our local schools require a negative PCR test- result for kids exposed to COVID at school. So that wouldn't work here. Theater venues? Visiting hospitals or nursing homes?

Just looked at my tests i ordered. They appear to have a 1 year life span based on the dates on the box. Just an fyi

I've got 3 weeks until I travel, so I guess I'll wait a week or so more before ordering. I keep thinking as soon as I order a six pack, the restrictions will be lifted. Ha-ha, maybe I should just take one for the team and order already. ;)

US re-entry rules aside - do you think there would be any specific use for them if we did get covid in Italy? I'm still confused as to how the isolation/quarantine situation would play out. Do local authorities monitor your situation and require testing? And if they do, do you think these tests would qualify?

These tests would count as a documented test in Italy.

The expiration date of some tests may actually have been extended since they were manufactured - so don't throw it away just because it's past the expiration date. Check into this first!

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/05/well/live/covid-test-expiration-date.html

Some great thoughts - thank you all for the replies.

I didn’t realize your trip was so soon. I would order them now if I were you.

There may be a bunch of people waiting to see if the gov. ends the test to enter requirement when the masks on plane requirement is reviewed on April 18th. So, if the test to enter continues, there could be a lot of people rushing to order the proctored tests. I have seen those tests out of stock in the past. So, I suggest order now. And, if it turns out you don’t need them, you have some great suggestions above on what to do with them.

Have a great trip!!

Thanks Carrie! And yes I think you are right, I will get them ordered.

I don't know what the availability of testing sites in Italy is at this time, but on Sundays in Athens it was difficult to find sites. Apparently workers who were required to test would flood the pharmacies. When tour groups were added in the wait times became outrageous. Additionally fewer sites were open on Sundays. We avoided the issue by using the BinaxNow tests in our hotel. I think with the fluidity of the pandemic responses in different countries I would pack tests just to be sure that I was covered in the case of changes in protocols.

I feel your pain. I ordered a box of six back on September for my trip to France at $150 (because at the time, a pack of six was the only option). Brought two with me, used one (and it came in very handy). Gave away the rest to travelers. So yeah, it was expensive. :)

There is another option, with a couple of caveats. You can buy (or you may have around) iHealth tests from your local pharmacy (I think about $17 for two tests in a box). Then you can pay for $25 proctored appointments from iHealth.

The caveats: They say you can't use a phone or tablet for the tests, so you have to have a laptop with you. Also, you need to make an appointment ahead of time, not keep it loose like you can with Binax.

But it may be a bit cheaper this way.

https://ihealthlabs.com/products/ihealth-verified-covid-test-service

there is 2-pack at Optum store (Abbott gives link to eMed and Optum stores)
$75 with shipping. if you want to claim $12 per test with insurance, it works out to $25 per test (or $50 per test - who knows if we will use the second one!). still a good deal for the convenience.

Does anybody have a link to the proctored Binax tests? I think mine are just the regular ones

and wondering why you all don't go to a pharmacy for text 1 day before departure? seems less hassle actually

You can tell by looking on the box for the Binax Now tests. If it has the letters “OTC, it is the over the counter version and not proctored. If it has the letters “RX” it is the proctored version.

Some people may well prefer a local testing facility. In reality, the proctored test is easy to use and just takes about 20 minutes.

Google either “emed Binax now” or “Optum Binax Now” to find stores selling online.

My cell phone decided to "fall over" during the Binax proctored test (get your travel partner to hold the phone!) and voided my Binax test. Fortunately in Padua there was a tent adjacent to a pharmacy 3 minutes away. Cost 22 Euros, took every bit of 10 minutes. Lifesaver. Was less expensive than the Binax for us.