Here’s an article about the Abbott rapid test
Abbott denies the findings in this test and the NYU test was not peer reviewed
Let me clarify something. The rapid 15 min test that gave up to 15% false negatives doesn’t use PCR (the Alere IDNOW test, now part of Abbott). This test uses isothermal amplification - a process different from PCR.
The slightly less rapid test, GeneXpert, uses actual PCR and is one of the three commercial tests that were found to be highly accurate (the other two were “regular” PCR tests).
The difference between GeneXpert test and a manual PCR test is in the sample prep. In a manual PCR test, a technician needs to process the sample to extract the genetic material for the next step, PCR amplification. GeneXpert does the bulk of sample prep and PCR in the same cartridge, so minimal hands-on time needed. No sample batching is needed.
The reason it takes so long for other PCR tests to provide results is not because the actual reaction takes longer. A PCR run is 20-30 min max. The long time is due to batching. Labs are set up to process samples in batches, so they will wait until sufficient number of samples shows up, then a tech begins processing them. This wait is what takes the bulk of the 1-3 day TAT. It is like baking cookies: a baker will not bake an individual cookie for one customer. The baker will wait until there is a line of customers.
The most recent TWIV had a discussion about testing. I’d offer a summary, if I understood what they were talking about!
Thanks @BunsenBurner that information is extremely helpful
^^Talks about tests.
That said, a rapid test that misses some cases would be OK for surveillance purposes as long as people who are given a negative test understand that it is not a replacement for practicing precautions. What it is not ok is for settings with vulnerable people such as hospital admissions and nursing homes.
ANDIAMO!
I think travel to Italy depends on a lot of factors https://www.forbes.com/sites/tamarathiessen/2020/05/25/italy-travel-will-soon-be-possible-for-all-tourists/
I believe there are several different tests that provide same-day results. Read about one Japan is trying with cardboard beds for travelers awaiting results. I don’t know the accuracy of any of these tests and agree that is important. I also think the one in Israel that requires patient to breathe 3x into s tube with results in 15 minutes sounds attractive—if it provides accurate results.
So many places Are trying different things. It is indeed tough to follow all of these tests and developments.
I’d be fine to be screened and tested on arrival, even if i have to pay $200, as in Austria. Sicily had the lowest Covid rate in Italy… my husband had Covid so has some immunity… now if they will only open the borders to Americans and not require a quarantine…
We are hoping to goon a prepaid bike trip in October. They are planning to take everyone’s temperature every day, and if you’re over 100.4… it’s a problem, but not sure what they plan to do about it.
If things seem “safer” to us, we may try to combine another bike ride with the one we are on. We each get 5 weeks of paid time off a year, and we have only taken 1 so far this year. Since we are driving to Vermont for the trip, it would be great if we could do more biking, there or elsewhere up there, during fall foliage.
^^^ Good point that people who have to use up vacation time during a calendar year may find themselves with time to burn . 
Yup, my husband has over 5 weeks and just used his first two days to extend the holiday weekend. Lots of time to spend in places but not a lot of places to go :neutral:
Careful adults on a bike ride - that sounds like you can manage the risk OK.
Some AirBNB hosts are bailing out or looking to bail out of the business of short term rentals:
If anyone were looking to buy something for themselves in a vacation area, seems like it could be a good time for that. In the long run it will push up prices for travelers though.
I’m planning on driving from MA to CO sometime next month. We bought a condo there just prior to the shutdown and need to do some work and plan to spend some time there. Normally, I’d find a hotel while en route when I knew where I’d be ready to stop for the night. Does anyone know if that’s still possible or will I have to make reservations prior to leaving?
^There’re plenty of vacancies for hotels that are still open or will open in June, but there’re also hotels that won’t open until later depending on demand and/or government regulations. It’s best to check online before your trip to see which hotels are, or will, open along your route.
Additionally, due to COVID-19, most major hotel chains allow cancellation only one day before your stay.
@MJMAMA - My experience recently was that it was hit or miss which hotels were open and which weren’t. I think you are safer trying to guesstimate when you will be ready to stop and book in advance. Lots of the hotels now have apps that allow you to not have to go the front desk for check in/out and have digital keys to minimize contact with staff.
A local teardrop maker had what looked like a lot of inventory in its parking lot. Now the lot is empty!! Those things are priced at $50k plus!!! ?
@BunsenBurner what is a “teardrop maker” and how does that relate to travel?