What is the difference between the types of tests available for COVID-19?

There are two different types of tests – diagnostic tests and antibody tests. A diagnostic test can show if you have an active coronavirus infection and should take steps to quarantine or isolate yourself from others.

Currently there are two types of diagnostic tests – molecular (RT-PCR) tests that detect the virus's genetic material, and antigen tests that detect specific proteins on the surface of the virus. Samples are typically collected with a nasal or throat swab, or saliva collected by spitting into a tube.

An antibody test looks for antibodies that are made by the immune system in response to a threat, such as a specific virus. Antibodies can help fight infections. Antibodies can take several days or weeks to develop after you have an infection and may stay in your blood for several weeks after recovery.

How are people tested for COVID-19?

Most tests to diagnose COVID-19 require a swab of your nose, or the part of the throat behind the nose, by a health care provider. A few tests use saliva (spit) or other types of collection methods. For most tests, the swab or sample must be sent to a lab for analysis.

What are the requirements for entering the US through air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Air passengers traveling to the US are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery. Airlines must confirm the negative test result or documentation of recovery for all passengers before boarding.

What type of covid test is required for travelling to the United States?

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).

Can an airline deny boarding a passenger if they don't have a negative COVID-19 test?

Airlines must confirm the negative test result for all passengers or documentation of recovery before they board. If a passenger does not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery, or chooses not to take a test, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger.

Do fully vaccinated travelers need to get tested for COVID-19 after international travel?

• Fully vaccinated international travelers arriving in the United States are still recommended to get a SARS-CoV-2 viral test 3-5 days after travel.
• Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to self-quarantine in the United States following international travel.

Do I need to have a COVID-19 test before my doctor's appointment at the Cleveland Clinic?

For the following surgeries or procedures, you will need a COVID-19 test before your appointment:

• If you require an overnight stay or admission to the hospital.
• If you are age 14 or younger.
• Bronchoscopy.
• Pulmonary function challenge testing (methacholine challenge, exercise challenge and mannitol challenge).
• Oral, nasal, pharyngeal and laryngeal procedures (does not include dental procedures).

Additional testing may be required for other procedures based on your symptoms. Your provider will decide when this is necessary.

What should I do if am overseas and I can't get tested before my flight during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Passengers should contact the airline regarding options for changing their departure date to allow time for a test, see if the airline has identified options for testing, or if there are options available for changing their flights to transit through a location where they can get tested before boarding their final flight to the United States.

Can I get an exemption or waiver to the COVID-19 testing requirement?

Exemptions may be granted on an extremely limited basis when emergency travel (like an emergency medical evacuation) must occur to preserve someone’s life, health against a serious danger, or physical safety and testing cannot be completed before travel.

Can I travel internationally during the COVID-19 pandemic?

CDC recommends delaying international travel until you are fully vaccinated.

What happens if I don’t take a test and want to travel to the US?

Air passengers traveling to the US are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery. Airlines must confirm the negative test result or documentation of recovery for all passengers before boarding.

What is a NAAT COVID-19 test?

A Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, or NAAT, is a type of viral diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. NAATs detect genetic material (nucleic acids).

Is the PCR test for COVID-19 accurate?

PCR tests remain the gold standard for detecting an active COVID-19 infection. The tests have accurately detected COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began. Highly trained clinical professionals are skilled at correctly interpreting PCR test results and notices like this one from the WHO.

Are saliva tests just as effective as nasal swabs to diagnose COVID-19?

Saliva testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is as effective as the standard nasopharyngeal tests, according to a new study by investigators at McGill University.

What quarantine exemptions are available for airline passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Exemptions may be granted on an extremely limited basis when emergency travel (like an emergency medical evacuation) must occur to preserve someone's life, health against a serious danger, or physical safety and testing cannot be completed before travel.

Does the COVID-19 negative test order apply to land border crossings?

No, the requirements of this Order only apply to air travel into the US.

Do the requirements of the COVID-19 negative test order apply to diplomats and special visa holders?

Diplomats and special visa holders are not exempt from this Order.

Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

If you think you have COVID-19 and need a test, contact your health care provider or local health department immediately. You can also find a community testing site in your state, or buy an FDA-authorized at-home test. Some FDA-authorized at-home tests give you results within minutes. Others require you to mail the sample to a lab for analysis.

How do you do a COVID-19 taste test?

The test itself is quick and easy and is conducted by placing four tiny strips of paper on the tongue, one at a time. After each strip, Dr. Barham and his team asks the person to report flavor and intensity on a scale of 1-10. For example, the strip could taste very bitter or mildly bitter.

What is a self-collection test for COVID-19?

These self-collection kits and tests are available either by prescription or over the counter, without a prescription, in a pharmacy or retail store. Currently available self-collection kits and tests are used for the detection of current infection.