Tips & Tricks for At-Home Covid Testing

Read our review of the Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Home Test experience for tips and tricks

Box of BinaxNOW COVID-19 home tests

Our Review of At-Home Covid Testing

I've already written a post about the test kits, so the purpose of this post is to provide a review of the testing experience along with some tips and tricks for success. Note: this review is not sponsored.

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to check off your pre-cruise COVID-19 testing requirement, look no further than the Binax Now Rapid Tests. Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines have partnered with Abbott and eMed to provide guests with an easier way to meet the pre-cruise testing requirement. To learn more about the tests, read our other blog post.

We have now successfully completed four at-home tests using four separate appointment times. Overall, the experiences were fantastic (aside from some user errors that we mention below in the tips and tricks section).

Benefits of using the eMed/Abbott at-home testing option:

• You can test on your own schedule since testing is available without an appointment 24/7 (We took tests late at night, very early in the morning, and in the afternoon without any significant delays or wait times).

• You'll have your results in less than 30 minutes.

• Once you swab and confirm with your eMed guide that the swab is secure in the envelope, you can walk away from the test and return in 15 minutes.

• You'll be provided with verified results via email and the app that you can print off or share as needed.

• You can complete the test in the comfort of your own home.

Tips & Tricks for Success:

• Do not open the test box prior to starting your eMed guided experience as that will invalidate the test kit.

• Create your account before you start the testing process to make for a faster and smoother experience.

• Check your internet connection before you begin to make sure it's stable and reliable. The eMed proctor will provide you with information in case the session is dropped due to an interruption in the connection.

Before your testing session begins, the system will run a test on your audio and video connections

• Use a laptop with a front-facing camera for an easy, carefree experience. Using a tablet (ex. Surface Pro 7) or a phone may not be as easy since the camera tends to flip between the front and back cameras at different points during the test session. Also, keep in mind that you need to be able to show your face as well as the test on camera, so you'll need a well-lit area as well as a good camera angle. I recommend testing your camera angle prior to starting the testing session to figure out the best angle to capture your face as well as the location where the swab will lie on a flat surface. It's important that you're able to adjust your camera to be able to display the test on the table as well as your face, ID, and test kit QR code. Our best experience was with a MacBook Air since we were able to slightly close the lid and get a great angle on the swab kit as it sat on the counter. When I used my Surface Pro 7, the camera switched between the front and back cameras with each step, which can cause confusion and frustration at times.

Using the Macbook Air was our best experience since we could tilt the camera as needed

• Have a photo ID at the ready so your test can proceed without issue.

• Make sure to wash and dry your hands before starting the session.

• Follow the proctor's directions to ensure your swabbing motion is accurate.

The eMed proctor will explain how to properly swab each nostril

• Follow the directions printed on the card and read aloud by the proctor to obtain accurate results.

Make sure to remember to rotate the swab before sealing the card

• Keep your device (ex. Cellphone, tablet, or laptop) plugged in or ensure it's fully charged before beginning your test since you will need to keep your camera on for 15+ minutes.

• If you plan to walk away from the test during the 15-minute wait period, set a timer for yourself so you're back before the next eMed proctor is ready to complete your session.

• Take the test in a quiet environment so you can hear the directions the eMed proctor provides.

• Increase the volume on your device (ex. Cell phone or laptop) so you can hear the 15-minute timer when it rings.

• As soon as you receive the email with your results, print off the results page and pack it in your carry-on/purse so it's ready to go for check-in at the cruise terminal.

Overall Feedback:

To us, the cost was well worth the money since we were able to complete the test at a time that worked well for us and didn't have to worry about whether or not we'd receive the test results in time. All four test experiences were pleasant because the eMed proctors are friendly, informative, and professional. We plan to continue using the at-home testing method for all future cruises that approve of the method.

To learn more about the telemedicine option, see Royal Caribbean’s FAQ page or Celebrity's Healthy At Sea Program page. Other cruise lines may also accept the test, so check the cruise line's website for more information prior to sailing.