Where to get a pre-flight COVID-19 test?

[Mattg]

As discussed in the New Zealand travel bubble thread, the NZ government will soon require a pre-flight COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test within 72 hours before flying from Australia to New Zealand. Many other countries also mandate COVID-19 tests within a certain amount of time prior to departing Australia or arriving at the destination.

I thought I would start a thread where we can discuss where to get a test, pricing for different pathology clinics and your experiences with getting a pre-departure test - good or bad.

According to the NZ government, "COVID-19 testing and result certificates for travel clearance are provided by private pathology clinics". In other words, you can't just get a free public test and present the SMS result.

Here are the details for NZ:

International travel

Information for air and sea travellers about entering and leaving New Zealand.

covid19.govt.nz

So, where did you get a test and how was your experience? Please share here...

 

[Pushka]

From the relevant FB group

COVID-19 Test for Travel | Accredited Testing

Are you ready to travel? Order a COVID-19 test for travel online, visit one of 80 COVID-19 collection centres and get results within 48 hours.

consumer.healius.com.au

 

[RooFlyer]

I asked this of my GP yesterday. In Hobart, 'Hobart Pathology' does the tests at their Sandy Bay collection centre - $105.

.

 

[Pcoder]

I'd be tempted to email them as the lower section doesn't even say that a state run covid test is unacceptable, considering most are done by private entities.

It's all a bit confusing.

 

[Berlin]

Is there someone of a medical profession on here who can explain to a layman like myself what the difference is between PCR and RT-PCR? And what's that IgM antibody test which sounds like it is not needed for NZ? And, which one is that stick deep into the nose one that I've had done to myself a few times now- or is that technically just the way of how the test is administered which has nothing to do with how it's analysed? I'm just curious, more than anything. And I've tried to look it up myself on the internet but my head started spinning instantly but maybe I'm just too dumb

 

[VPS]

Is there someone of a medical profession on here who can explain to a layman like myself what the difference is between PCR and RT-PCR? And what's that IgM antibody test which sounds like it is not needed for NZ? And, which one is that stick deep into the nose one that I've had done to myself a few times now- or is that technically just the way of how the test is administered which has nothing to do with how it's analysed? I'm just curious, more than anything. And I've tried to look it up myself on the internet but my head started spinning instantly but maybe I'm just too dumb

PCR and RT-PCR are essentially the same. Not sure why they would want an IgM antibody test although I gather you get IgM antibodies before IgG with COVID

 

[JessicaTam]

Data point:

As I live in regional Vic, when I went to NZ I needed a pre-travel test at the time. I went to ClinPath in Traralgon, and it cost $150. The test was at 8am, and I got the results at 4am the following morning.

 

[Pushka]

PCR and RT-PCR are essentially the same. Not sure why they would want an IgM antibody test although I gather you get IgM antibodies before IgG with COVID

Ha. My IgM tests are always screwed crazy high with multi auto immune illnesses. Maybe it might come in handy this time.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Not related to NZ travel but does anyone in Melbourne know where I can get a same day test and result ?
Attending a christening and coming from Regional NSW which is an Orange zone I will need a test on arrival to attend the ceremony. Planning on arriving around 11am day before.

 

[RooFlyer]

Not related to NZ travel but does anyone in Melbourne know where I can get a same day test and result ?
Attending a christening and coming from Regional NSW which is an Orange zone I will need a test on arrival to attend the ceremony. Planning on arriving around 11am day before.

The link in Pushka's post #2 may fit your bill, I think. Although 'same day service' may need attendance before noon.

 

[Anna]

I'm supposed to fly ADL MEL AKL on a Tuesday departing ADL at 6am. I can't find any clinic in ADL that will be open for travel covid tests in the 72 hours before departure that will leave enough time for me to be sure of getting the result before I leave. Does anyone know anywhere in ADL that will do travel tests on a Saturday or Sunday? Yes I could have the test on the Monday, but there's no guarantee the result will arrive before 6am Tuesday.

I'm seriously thinking I will have to change the departure date to accommodate this new NZ govt requirement. Or just cancel, because frankly it's all getting a bit too hard now (having just had a trip to WLG this weekend cancelled due to the bubble pause ).

 

[Anna]

I can answer my own question now

For ADL based people, Abbott Pathology at Mile End do pre travel covid tests for $150 and they are open on Saturday mornings from 8.30-11.30. Last appointment 11am. Their website doesn't say they are open Sat am, but I rang them and that's what they told me. So I have my appointment booked, phew.

 

[flyingfan]

Not related to NZ travel but does anyone in Melbourne know where I can get a same day test and result ?
Attending a christening and coming from Regional NSW which is an Orange zone I will need a test on arrival to attend the ceremony. Planning on arriving around 11am day before.

Hopefully this provides an idea of Melbourne turnaround times at public sites:
Tested 3pm in Brighton, negative SMS following morning 6am
Tested 10am in Ascot Vale, negative SMS 8pm that night
Tested 8pm in Heidelberg, negative SMS following morning 10am

Such is my limited experience. I just came from an orange zone into VIC so needed a test within 72 hours. Now I don't have to isolate!

 

[JessicaTam]

Hopefully this provides an idea of Melbourne turnaround times at public sites:
Tested 3pm in Brighton, negative SMS following morning 6am
Tested 10am in Ascot Vale, negative SMS 8pm that night
Tested 8pm in Heidelberg, negative SMS following morning 10am

Such is my limited experience. I just came from an orange zone into VIC so needed a test within 72 hours. Now I don't have to isolate!

Were these pre-flight tests that give detailed results or just the normal public COVID test?

 

[Pushka]

I've used these people before for other tests and they use the local providers, that are dotted throughout Australia and in SA. They are excellent.

covid testing for travel

Urgent Covid 19 testing for International Travellers. Results emailed in 24 hours. Our Pathology testing service can be arranged for you at a Collection Center, close to you, anywhere in Australia.

imedical.com.au

 

[flyingfan]

Were these pre-flight tests that give detailed results or just the normal public COVID test?

The latter, I was addressing Princess Fiona’s orange zone - VIC entry issue (as I understood it) rather than the focus of this thread…

 

[Princess Fiona]

The latter, I was addressing Princess Fiona’s orange zone - VIC entry issue (as I understood it) rather than the focus of this thread…

Were these pre-flight tests that give detailed results or just the normal public COVID test?

I was derailing the thread, sorry

 

[JessicaTam]

I was derailing the thread, sorry

 

[KitKat]

Not related to NZ travel but does anyone in Melbourne know where I can get a same day test and result ?
Attending a christening and coming from Regional NSW which is an Orange zone I will need a test on arrival to attend the ceremony. Planning on arriving around 11am day before.

There is a public hospital just north of the CBD that might just fit the bill ....... as you are coming from an orange zone you need to be tested within 72h and isolating till you get your result....
Turnaround time at worst recently overnight but depends really on batching...

 

[Princess Fiona]

There is a public hospital just north of the CBD that might just fit the bill ....... as you are coming from an orange zone you need to be tested within 72h and isolating till you get your result....
Turnaround time at worst recently overnight but depends really on batching...

And I’m a HCW