Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test with eMed Telehealth Services

We are cruising next Saturday and this new testing requirement has thrown a curveball into our plans. Living in rural Montana is amazing however, sometimes there are challenges - such as this COVID testing requirement. We are flying out the day before our cruise as we normally do, but travel delays are always a possibility. As an example of an unforeseen delay is our airport ran out of jet fuel (fire fighting aircraft get priority - the nerve 🙂!) for commercial flights and they were canceled for that day. We did schedule a test at a CVS on Friday, but it could be an issue if we don't get in early enough for the appointment or get a false positive and need retested, hence the need for a backup plan. The last thing we need is to be denied boarding - we've already had so many cruises canceled and NEED THIS ONE BADLY!

I've been looking at Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test with eMed Telehealth Services and as far as I can tell, it would meet the requirements of a self administered antigen test with the eMed Telehealth services.

Is a self-test acceptable?

Vaccinated guests may use a medically observed self-test (sometimes referred to as home test) that meets the following criteria:

• The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or antigen test) with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Please note, antigen tests are accepted for fully vaccinated guests, but not for unvaccinated guests.
• The testing procedure must include a telehealth service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection. Some FDA-authorized self-tests that include a telehealth service may require a prescription.
• The telehealth provider must confirm the person’s identity, observe the specimen collection and testing procedures, confirm the test result, and issue a report that meets the requirements of acceptable proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

This test complies with the CDC requirements for international travelers returning to the USA and is recommended by United Airlines. Since I read that Carnival is not recommending any particular test, I'm curious if anyone has thoughts as to whether or not this product would comply. FYI we are fully vaccinated.

Thanks!

I was actually researching last night and decided on this one myself as a "back-up" test to buy. It actually seems to be the ONLY rapid test that is telehealth with printed results as far as I can tell (But I only spent 2 hours looking so..)The reason I started looking was the book of faces group for this cruise someone said they were going to bring extra of the tests you can get in the store, which doesn't actually seem like it meets the requirements so... yeah... 

I was going to order some today as back up's for our 8/28 cruise. What I am debating on is ordering the 6 pack from eMed themselves, or the only other place I found for shipping is OptumRx, which has 2 packs ($70) and 3 packs ($100). From what it seems like, the expiration date is 12 months, and might go up again, so I am leaning to the 6 pack and can use them for other travel. 

As a warning, it seems like eMed's wait times are.. excessive right now according to reports. Excessive as in 2-4 hours in line waiting for the proctor which is what makes this test acceptable for Carnival.

I also looked into back up rapid same day Antigen/PCR tests in my area, and if for some reason our CVS results don't come back by Friday also I wanted to have a backup plan. They are $75-$150pp in our area for rapid in house lab testing for travel, so the 6 pack for just a little more in cost of 2 rapid antigen's in my area looks like a no brainer. 

1 hour ago, Jasalth said:

I was actually researching last night and decided on this one myself as a "back-up" test to buy. It actually seems to be the ONLY rapid test that is telehealth with printed results as far as I can tell (But I only spent 2 hours looking so..)The reason I started looking was the book of faces group for this cruise someone said they were going to bring extra of the tests you can get in the store, which doesn't actually seem like it meets the requirements so... yeah... 

 

I was going to order some today as back up's for our 8/28 cruise. What I am debating on is ordering the 6 pack from eMed themselves, or the only other place I found for shipping is OptumRx, which has 2 packs ($70) and 3 packs ($100). From what it seems like, the expiration date is 12 months, and might go up again, so I am leaning to the 6 pack and can use them for other travel. 

 

As a warning, it seems like eMed's wait times are.. excessive right now according to reports. Excessive as in 2-4 hours in line waiting for the proctor which is what makes this test acceptable for Carnival.

 

I also looked into back up rapid same day Antigen/PCR tests in my area, and if for some reason our CVS results don't come back by Friday also I wanted to have a backup plan. They are $75-$150pp in our area for rapid in house lab testing for travel, so the 6 pack for just a little more in cost of 2 rapid antigen's in my area looks like a no brainer. 

 

 

I spent a little more than 2 hours looking and I also solicitated the input from my brother-in-law who's a biochemist who works with COVID stuff and had him read all the sciencey things and he said as far as he could tell it would work. As a backup plan, 2-4 hours wait for a proctor is OK by me. I bought the 2 pack and should have it tomorrow. Upon reflection, if this is acceptable by Carnival, I'll be ordering the 6 pack (or more!) since we have 5 cruises scheduled in the next several months.

We actually ordered these as a backup a couple weeks ago, in case we had to fly home for some reason during an upcoming cruise.  ALL tests they ship have an expiration date of January 2022 no matter when you order them as they don’t plan on producing more until early next year.  Just be warned we also believed ours would be good through next summer to cover another one of our trips, but no they expire in January 2022.  I sent an email complaining and get the typical “we will forward your response to our team…..”. 

The COVID testing schedule and turnaround time results uncertainty are precisely why I invested in these "Home Test" kits, which I just received yesterday via FedEx. My flexible Health Savings Account reimbursed me for these costs and I will file for the proctored test costs once I complete that phase.

When Carnival updated their website this week with the self-test information, I called Jennifer, my Carnival Cruise Planner, and she confirm it's acceptable because it can provide digital certification and the information they require.

I would also caution folks to be cognizant of the "Self-Test" BinaxNOW over-the-counter test kits that are available. They do not provide the required digital certification and information required by Carnival and it is not proctored like the "Home Test" kit.

I also would like folks to know that I am currently unable to download my prescription file for the Home Test kit and have reported it to eMed. It's been two days since my initial report, so they do seem pretty slow at responding. 

When I go to checkout it says "Purchasing this product requires approval from a medical professional."
And then that it requires a prescription

Do they make that prescription? 

12 minutes ago, Moparfiend said:

When I go to checkout it says "Purchasing this product requires approval from a medical professional."
And then that it requires a prescription

Do they make that prescription? 

I purchased mine at Optum .com (https://store.optum.com/shop/products/abbott-binaxNOW-COVID-19-ag-at-home-test-kit-2-pack) and filled out their screener questions and was able to purchase immediately. If I recall correctly, I marked Travel and for Myself.

56 minutes ago, chamorroroots said:

I also would like folks to know that I am currently unable to download my prescription file for the Home Test kit and have reported it to eMed. It's been two days since my initial report, so they do seem pretty slow at responding. 

 

I'm confused. At what point do you need to download the prescription? After receiving it and scheduling the video appointment? I should receive mine today, so I may be lacking some information. Thanks!

We are buying the home test at Emed.  this is recommended by the airlines and is telehealth supervised.

16 minutes ago, MTtraveler said:

I'm confused. At what point do you need to download the prescription? After receiving it and scheduling the video appointment? I should receive mine today, so I may be lacking some information. Thanks!

The prescription is a requirement and is part of what we pay for. I want to download it and keep it for my medical files. 

Edit: Once you place your order it will still need to be approved. Once eMed approves your order, they will process it for shipment and then are supposed to make the prescription available for download.

1 hour ago, Moparfiend said:

When I go to checkout it says "Purchasing this product requires approval from a medical professional."
And then that it requires a prescription

Do they make that prescription? 

You should see this on your order status.

I have not used this test. However, we are looking at a supervised home test for returning from an international trip in a couple months. I have read a few reviews of this emed test that the wait times for the "supervised" part can be hours. Delta recommends the Ellume test with Azova monitoring. When I looked at that one, what I liked is that you can schedule the monitoring ahead of time. I'm hoping that means it won't have long wait times. 

Well anyone else who is looking, I ordered my tests from eMed about 4pm est yesterday. They arrived at my door at 10am today. So a less than 12 hour turn around!

I don't know if we will use them or not, but I feel better having them for sure! 

Yes their wait times can be long, and even they admit it. But, the closest rapid back up test place is about a 45 min drive each way from my house, and costs $75pp, so 6 tests for $173 with shipping even if I have to have a device "waiting" for 2 hours to get the test done, seems like a no brainer for us! When I can do it at home and finish packing and getting everything ready to go while waiting I will take it! Now.. if I was using it to get back into the US I would feel differently because who wants to waste time ON vacation! 

I also can't download my prescription from eMed, which I would like to eventually also. My health insurance told me to fill out their OON form and they will see about covering the cost. Also eMed took my FSA card for payment, so I actually had no OOP expense which while doesn't matter in the long run, pays for a massage! 

2 hours ago, chamorroroots said:

The prescription is a requirement and is part of what we pay for. I want to download it and keep it for my medical files. 

Edit: Once you place your order it will still need to be approved. Once eMed approves your order, they will process it for shipment and then are supposed to make the prescription available for download.

The prescription is a requirement for Carnival? I thought it was just the test results? I'm about to order for family members going on a cruise and I just want all the facts. Thanks!

50 minutes ago, mac21902 said:

The prescription is a requirement for Carnival? I thought it was just the test results? I'm about to order for family members going on a cruise and I just want all the facts. Thanks!

No, the prescription requirement is not for Carnival. See screenshot image.

Link to FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) letter for the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test that I ordered and received, which requires the prescription:
https://www.fda.gov/media/144576/download

Caveat of interest: I found a total of five EUAs for  BinaxNOW test cards. Be mindful of the exact test card product you are ordering and receiving. Some require the Rx (prescription) and some do not.

I'm waiting to see how this goes. I like that they are allowing proctored home tests, but the app you get the results on does not seem to have the information that Carnival is requiring for the test results:

All I see are the name, date tested, and result. I would love to see what it actually looks like instead of this screenshot, as its a good option, but i'm not sold on using it for Carnival due to the missing information

18 minutes ago, pogoism9 said:

I'm waiting to see how this goes. I like that they are allowing proctored home tests, but the app you get the results on does not seem to have the information that Carnival is requiring for the test results:

 

 

 

All I see are the name, date tested, and result. I would love to see what it actually looks like instead of this screenshot, as its a good option, but i'm not sold on using it for Carnival due to the missing information

I don’t even think my husbands Rite Aid pcr test from a few weeks ago had all that data either. His results literally said “test performed: covid 19”   And not specifically pcr. I don’t remember his birthday being on there either. 

15 minutes ago, BroadwayGirl said:

I don’t even think my husbands Rite Aid pcr test from a few weeks ago had all that data either. His results literally said “test performed: covid 19”   And not specifically pcr. I don’t remember his birthday being on there either. 

It will be interesting to see the 400ish threads on Saturday once this goes into effect. Hopefully this gives us more insight to what they are *actually* looking for

3 hours ago, pogoism9 said:

I'm waiting to see how this goes. I like that they are allowing proctored home tests, but the app you get the results on does not seem to have the information that Carnival is requiring for the test results:

 

 

 

All I see are the name, date tested, and result. I would love to see what it actually looks like instead of this screenshot, as its a good option, but i'm not sold on using it for Carnival due to the missing information

take a look in the App Store for the navica app. That’s the one you actually do the test through. They post images of an accompanying page to the one you posted that has all your details listed, DOB test date etc. 

Hi,

  Did Carnival update Test protocols?  Last I read on Carnival’s Home Page on Covid guidelines …. No Home Tests allowed.  

 So, all ok with Home Testing Now?  Just to be sure, can someone share the Carnival page?  

Updated:  Ahhh … me & technology … so because it’s an App, it not technically a ‘Home Test’.  Sorry, but left my comments in case someone else was confused too. 🙂🙂

  Thanks,

  🛳🛳

  Bobbi 

10 hours ago, Markmom18 said:

Hi,

  Did Carnival update Test protocols?  Last I read on Carnival’s Home Page on Covid guidelines …. No Home Tests allowed.  

 So, all ok with Home Testing Now?  Just to be sure, can someone share the Carnival page?  

Updated:  Ahhh … me & technology … so because it’s an App, it not technically a ‘Home Test’.  Sorry, but left my comments in case someone else was confused too. 🙂🙂

 

  Thanks,

  🛳🛳

  Bobbi 

The "App" isn't the reason it's ok. Carnival did update their test protocols to include a "supervised" home test:

Is a self-test acceptable?

Vaccinated guests may use a medically observed self-test (sometimes referred to as home test) that meets the following criteria:

• The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or antigen test) with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Please note, antigen tests are accepted for fully vaccinated guests, but not for unvaccinated guests.
• The testing procedure must include a telehealth service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection. Some FDA-authorized self-tests that include a telehealth service may require a prescription.
• The telehealth provider must confirm the person’s identity, observe the specimen collection and testing procedures, confirm the test result, and issue a report that meets the requirements of acceptable proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Return to Service FAQs | Have Fun. Be Safe. | Carnival Cruise Line

On 8/11/2021 at 2:11 PM, MTtraveler said:

We are cruising next Saturday and this new testing requirement has thrown a curveball into our plans. Living in rural Montana is amazing however, sometimes there are challenges - such as this COVID testing requirement. We are flying out the day before our cruise as we normally do, but travel delays are always a possibility. As an example of an unforeseen delay is our airport ran out of jet fuel (fire fighting aircraft get priority - the nerve 🙂!) for commercial flights and they were canceled for that day. We did schedule a test at a CVS on Friday, but it could be an issue if we don't get in early enough for the appointment or get a false positive and need retested, hence the need for a backup plan. The last thing we need is to be denied boarding - we've already had so many cruises canceled and NEED THIS ONE BADLY!

 

I've been looking at Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test with eMed Telehealth Services and as far as I can tell, it would meet the requirements of a self administered antigen test with the eMed Telehealth services.

Is a self-test acceptable?

Vaccinated guests may use a medically observed self-test (sometimes referred to as home test) that meets the following criteria:

• The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or antigen test) with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Please note, antigen tests are accepted for fully vaccinated guests, but not for unvaccinated guests.
• The testing procedure must include a telehealth service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection. Some FDA-authorized self-tests that include a telehealth service may require a prescription.
• The telehealth provider must confirm the person’s identity, observe the specimen collection and testing procedures, confirm the test result, and issue a report that meets the requirements of acceptable proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

 

This test complies with the CDC requirements for international travelers returning to the USA and is recommended by United Airlines. Since I read that Carnival is not recommending any particular test, I'm curious if anyone has thoughts as to whether or not this product would comply. FYI we are fully vaccinated.

 

Thanks!

 

 

So I guess that means I can't have my wife snag a few tests from work and sign a paper saying they were both negative....

(She's a nurse and we're both vaccinated, relax people)

I purchased a 6 pack yesterday and they should get here today. We have 2 cruises coming up (about a week apart) and wanted a "back up" test option just in case anything happens. Everything I read makes me believe that these will be accepted, but I am waiting on the updates to come flooding in as this protocol starts tomorrow. 😃 

RC cruiser here. I did the test from eMed for my party of 6 and will use this to checkin tomorrow in Nassau for the Adventure sailing. I can keep you guys posted how it goes.