Pre-flight RAT test for transit pax and documentation

[Tiki]

SQ has the following rules for transit pax. Other than Histopath, can any GP do this and issue the documenation it requires? What have others done?
I am going to Turkey so there is no test requirement for double vaxxed. I only have to comply with SQ rules.

Take a COVID-19 pre-departure test within 2 days before departure* and obtain a copy of the negative COVID-19 test report that:

2. Is an Antigen Rapid Test (ART) administered by a trained professional (self-swabs not allowed) OR Polymerase Chain Reaction Test taken at an internationally accredited or recognised lab/clinic/medical facility
3. Is in English (or accompanied with an English translation);
4. Contains the following:
   1. COVID-19 test results and date of test;
   2. Traveller’s name; and
   3. Date of Birth or Passport number (per the passport used to travel to Singapore).
      

 

[Princess Fiona]

SQ has the following rules for transit pax. Other than Histopath, can any GP do this and issue the documenation it requires? What have others done?
I am going to Turkey so there is no test requirement for double vaxxed. I only have to comply with SQ rules.

You will have to do a paid RAT with a travel service.
Histopath does them amongst others

 

[Tiki]

i looked at ones like Healius and they only have PCR option available. Does anyone recommend a provider of pre-flight RATs preferably in northern Brisbane? Specifically that can issue the documentation?

 

[Princess Fiona]

i looked at ones like Healius and they only have PCR option available. Does anyone recommend a provider of pre-flight RATs preferably in northern Brisbane? Specifically that can issue the documentation?

Histopath is at BNE airport as per above and they do preflight Rapid Antigen tests for international travel.

 

[Tiki]

Thanks, I do know about Histopath but I want to do it on as Friday for a Sunday departure for peace of mind. I have been trying to avoid people as much as possible to avoid being infected for fear of losing this trip. So I am hoping to find a clinic in a suburb which can do this on the Friday. I would rather do a RAT than a PCR. I am aware I can do it same day but I am really worried about being blindisded on day of departure because the wrong person breathed on me at Woolies or something.

 

[Lynda2475]

Histopath will only test you at Airport (RAT or Rapid PCR) within 24 hours of departure with proof of a international ticket, so best you can do is day before.

The community clinics that do paid test and provide travel doco, are the same ones testing the general public for free, and so you are just as much at risk of catching covid whilst waiting in line there are you are at the airport, and the wait will likley be longer.

Not to mention Histopath has the least expensive rates.

If using other community travel test centres, make sure you can book (not needing to join a general queue).

 

[Tiki]

I was hoping that there were other options by the use of SQ's terminology "trained professional". That could be anyone in the medical profession technically. I mean I could buy a RAT (when they are in stock) and take it in front of a GP or something. But I need the documentation.

 

[madrooster]

I was hoping that there were other options by the use of SQ's terminology "trained professional". That could be anyone in the medical profession technically. I mean I could buy a RAT (when they are in stock) and take it in front of a GP or something. But I need the documentation.

It needs to be a recognised lab. If you want a RAT, Histopath is your only option.

 

[drron]

Have been thinking similiar thoughts.Don't want to turn up on the day,RAT test positive and then a real shambles trying to cancel bookings.
My plan is for the 2 of us to each do our own RAT test in the 2 days before departure -you can get a box of 2 for $20/25.At least that way if test positive before going to the airport time to change things in a less rushed way. If the 2 tests before going to the airport are negative then quite unlikely the airport test will be positive as we will be in a self imposed isolation for a few days.
I used this site to find a pharmac_ this week.

Find a RAT

Helping you find those Rapid Antigen Tests all over Australia

findarat.com.au

They are not perfect and rely on people notifying them on availability so only a minority of available outlets appear.

 

[Tiki]

Have been thinking similiar thoughts.Don't want to turn up on the day,RAT test positive and then a real shambles trying to cancel bookings.
My plan is for the 2 of us to each do our own RAT test in the 2 days before departure -you can get a box of 2 for $20/25.At least that way if test positive before going to the airport time to change things in a less rushed way. If the 2 tests before going to the airport are negative then quite unlikely the airport test will be positive as we will be in a self imposed isolation for a few days.
I used this site to find a pharmac_ this week.

Find a RAT

Helping you find those Rapid Antigen Tests all over Australia

findarat.com.au

They are not perfect and rely on people notifying them on availability so only a minority of available outlets appear.

I agree with this. Just can't find a RAT in northern Brisbane. Even online suppliers won't deliver until next month.

 

[auriga]

Have been thinking similiar thoughts.Don't want to turn up on the day,RAT test positive and then a real shambles trying to cancel bookings.
My plan is for the 2 of us to each do our own RAT test in the 2 days before departure -you can get a box of 2 for $20/25.At least that way if test positive before going to the airport time to change things in a less rushed way. If the 2 tests before going to the airport are negative then quite unlikely the airport test will be positive as we will be in a self imposed isolation for a few days.
...

Just curious about the RAT tests done through Histopath.
Are they different to the home ones, ie do they swab your throat and stick it all the way up your nose ( as per PCR), or just swab the first 2 cm inside the nose?

 

[Lynda2475]

Are they different to the home ones, ie do they swab your throat and stick it all the way up your nose ( as per PCR), or just swab the first 2 cm inside the nose?

FYI even the home RAT tests you are supposed to insert the bud well inside your nose not just 2cms.

The reason the RAT has to be supervised is so that the sample is taken correctly, not a justa cursory swish around the nostril.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Just curious about the RAT tests done through Histopath.
Are they different to the home ones, ie do they swab your throat and stick it all the way up your nose ( as per PCR), or just swab the first 2 cm inside the nose?

It does depend which RAT Histopath have (nasal or oral). Because they are monitored, a Histopath staff will swab you accordingly to the RAT instruction and the result will be documented by Histopath, who will provide you with a report (usually 30 minutes or so)

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Just curious about the RAT tests done through Histopath.
Are they different to the home ones, ie do they swab your throat and stick it all the way up your nose ( as per PCR), or just swab the first 2 cm inside the nose?

Even PCR tests do not swab right up the nostril now like was done earlier in the pandemic. It changed a while back.

With the RATs test it is important to follow the guidelines for the product you have (and as HappyFlyerFamily has noted some will not have swabs at all). After all each manufacturer will have validated the testing protocol for that particular RATs test.

The consensus seems to be 2-3cm, or until you meet resistance. It is less deep for younger children.



NSW Guidelines (below) states no more than 2-3cm for which is for 12+.