Fast, Accurate COVID-19 Testing for Travel
More countries, states, and companies are requiring a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel or entry. With rapid and accurate testing, TargetDx Laboratory can provide expedited same-day test results*.
TargetDx Laboratory (aka Lung Cancer Proteomics) is a CLIA-certified lab, and we offer both COVID-19 PCR and Antigen Viral Test and COVID-19 Antibody Test. These tests are authorized for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and performed by laboratories in the United States who are certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA), 42 U.S.C. §263a, to perform high-complexity tests.
TargetDx Laboratory’s COVID-19 test results are accepted for travel interstate and internationally.
TargetDx Laboratory offers expedited test services for traveling to China and other international countries. Learn more about our COVID testing for travel to China.
COVID-19 PCR Viral Test (COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Test)
COVID-19 PCR Viral Test is a molecular test for active infection, and it involves collecting swab specimens from your nose or throat.
The COVID-19 PCR Viral Test is a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) utilizing real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2.
We expect the new variant from the UK, B.1.1.7, and others, to be detected by our test because it screens for three regions of interest:
- S Gene (Spike protein)
- N Gene (Nuclear Capsid protein; at virus’ core)
- ORF Gene
The UK B.1.1.7 variant has most of its mutations in the S protein, so even if the RT-PCR does not detect the variant’s S gene, it still detects both N & ORF genes.
The COVID-19 PCR Viral Test currently performed by TargetDx Laboratory has been validated for FDA EUA for the current pandemic. Based on a validation study using 20 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and 20 nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs, the test was able to detect 100% of positive specimens accurately.
The typical turnaround time is 6 – 12 hours** for travel testing. Typically, the quickest way to get your test results is to have them sent to you through a secure online portal or to your email in an encrypted and password-protected format.
* Appointment times for travel testing are 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM on Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 12 PM on Saturday.
An appointment is required, but we will try to accommodate walk-ins as necessary.
**If a test comes back inconclusive, it will be retested and may incur a longer turnaround time (usually completed within the same day of sample receipt from the lab).
COVID-19 Viral Tests we offer are:
- COVID-19 NAAT RT-PCR
- COVID-19 Rapid PCR Test
- COVID-19 Antigen Test
COVID-19 PCR Viral Test is a molecular test for active infection, and it involves collecting swab specimens from your nose or throat.
The COVID-19 PCR Viral Test is a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) utilizing real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2.
We expect the new variant from the UK, B.1.1.7, and others, to be detected by our test because it screens for three regions of interest:
- S Gene (Spike protein)
- N Gene (Nuclear Capsid protein; at virus’ core)
- ORF Gene
The UK B.1.1.7 variant has most of its mutations in the S protein, so even if the RT-PCR does not detect the variant’s S gene, it still detects both N & ORF genes.
The COVID-19 PCR Viral Test currently performed by TargetDx Laboratory has been validated for FDA EUA for the current pandemic. Based on a validation study using 20 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and 20 nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs, the test was able to detect 100% of positive specimens accurately.
The typical turnaround time is 6 – 12 hours** for travel testing. Typically, the quickest way to get your test results is to have them sent to you through a secure online portal or to your email in an encrypted and password-protected format.
* Appointment times for travel testing are 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM on Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 12 PM on Saturday.
An appointment is required, but we will try to accommodate walk-ins as necessary.
**If a test comes back inconclusive, it will be retested and may incur a longer turnaround time (usually completed within the same day of sample receipt from the lab).
COVID-19 Viral Tests we offer are:
- COVID-19 NAAT RT-PCR
- COVID-19, FluA/B, RSV NAAT RT-PCR
- COVID-19 Rapid PCR Test
- COVID-19, FluA/B Rapid PCR Test
- COVID-19 Antigen Test
COVID-19 Antibody Test
The COVID-19 antibody test has been approved to identify recent or prior infection to SARS-CoV-2 and it is not intended to diagnose a current infection or to rule out an active COVID-19 infection. It involves a simple blood draw.
For the antibody test (post-infection), TargetDx Laboratory utilizes an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) (IgM, IgG, and IgA combined) and a colloidal gold assay (IgM or IgG independent) for the in-vitro qualitative detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in human serum and plasma. The test is intended to aid in the determination of the immune reaction to SARS-CoV-2.
The antibody tests currently offered by TargetDx Laboratory have specificity values of 99.5% which keeps false-positive results to a minimum. The antibody test sensitivity values are approximately 99.5% to 100%.
Our antibody tests have met validation standards and have been granted Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) by the FDA for public health and clinical use.
Turnaround time for the COVID-19 Antibody Test is typically 8-24 hours from the time the specimen is received in our laboratory. We offer expedited services for patients traveling.
COVID-19 Antibody Tests we offer are:
- COVID-19 N Antibody Test (IgM or IgG), Lateral Flow Assay (e.g., Colloidal Gold)
- COVID-19 S Antibody Test (IgM or IgG), Lateral Flow Assay (e.g., Colloidal Gold)
- COVID-19 N Antibody Test (IgM, IgG, and/or IgA), Immunoassay
- COVID-19 S Antibody Test (IgM, IgG, and/or IgA), Immunoassay
Site Testing
TargetDx Laboratory also provides normal (non-travel) testing to the public. We work with schools, government agencies, private sectors, and more. If you would like to set-up testing for your organization, please email us.
FAQ for Travel
Each country, state, and airline have their own requirements for travel. TargetDx COVID-19 PCR Viral Test results are accepted for travel interstate and internationally.
Get tested with a PCR viral test 1-3 days before you travel. Keep a copy of your test results with you during travel in case you are asked for them. Do NOT travel if you test positive.
Please check travel testing requirements by the country or state to which you are traveling. Below are some resources for travel information:
- China Travel: http://www.chinaconsulatesf.org/eng/zytz/t1841576.htm
- US Travel, CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-planner/index.html
- International Travel, CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
- Travel, CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/fr-proof-negative-test.html
- Travel Info by Country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html
There are more sites for information. Please do your due diligence and check the testing requirements before traveling to a state, country, or through an airline.
An appointment can be booked online at www.targetdxlab.com. Click Book Your Test and follow the instructions.
Our business hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday.
Appointment times for travel testing are:
- San Jose Clinic: 8 AM to 3:30 PM on Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 12 PM on Saturday.
An appointment is required, but we will try to accommodate walk-ins as necessary.
Please see “COVID-19 Testing for Travel to China” section in English at https://targetdxlab.com/covid-testing-for-travel-to-china/
- Both nucleic acid and Serology (IgG, IgM, and IgA combined, and individual testing for IgM and IgG) antibody tests are available at TargetDx. The following tests are available:
- COVID-19 NAAT RT-PCR Viral Test (detect ORF1ab, N, and S genes of SARS-CoV-2)
- COVID-19 Rapid PCR Viral Test (detect E and N genes of SARS-CoV-2)
- COVID-19 Antibody Test Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (detects IgM, IgG, and IgA combined)
- COVID-19 Antibody Test Colloidal Gold (detects IgM or IgG independently)
Yes, the report explicitly states the specimen type used for the test. For example, we use serum/venous serum or plasma for the antibody test or nasopharyngeal for the RT-PCR test.
We use two methods for the Antibody test which are 1) Immunoassay: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for combined IgM, IgG, and IgA and 2) Colloidal Gold/Lateral Flow (IgM only, IgG only). We do have both the anti-S and the anti-N.
The method for the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) is Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).
These are indicated in the report.
Yes, we are CLIA-certified and in full compliance with the federal and CA state CLIA regulations and use only FDA EUA-approved tests. We can provide FDA letters, a performance summary of our platforms, and copies of our CLIA licenses.
TargetDx Laboratory is a fully certified CLIA Laboratory by the Laboratory Field Services (LFS) and the State of California for High Complexity Testing: State ID: CLF-90005077, CLIA ID: 05D2194953. All methods and platforms employed by TargetDx Laboratory are FDA EU approved.
We are located at 6541 Via Del Oro, Suite A, San Jose, CA 95119. Our phone is 219-510-0120. Emails regarding the test can be sent to info@targetdxlab.com.
Yes, you can order the test online by clicking on Book Your Test.
Yes, the travel reports are produced within 5 – 12 hours.
Testees will register for an account online on our patient portal. When test results are released, the Testee will be sent an email with an encrypted and password-protected PDF copy of their result, and instructions on how to access their report on their portal.
Results are normally sent out by email and through the patient portal within the same day between 7-10 pm. If you have not received them by 9 pm, check your portal and in your spam and junk folders in your email. When checking your junk folder, you may need to do a search for “targetdxlab”.
Insurance does not typically cover travel testing. However, some insurance might. You should call your insurance and find out. You will first need to pay out of pocket and submit for reimbursement per your insurance company’s instructions.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations will incur a 15% transaction fee per appointment.
Rescheduling Policy: No fees for rescheduling.
If your sample has already been collected, no refund will be issued.
We have two antibody tests, the S protein antibody test and the N protein antibody test. If you have been vaccinated by Moderna, Pfizer, or Janssen, your S antibody will most likely be positive. If you have previously been infected with the COVID19 virus, then your N antibody would be positive. If you have been vaccinated by the mRNA vaccines, and never been infected, you may have a positive S antibody and a negative N antibody.
We have both the Immunoassay and lateral flow assay (aka colloidal gold) platforms to test for N and S protein. Our N Protein immunoassay has a specificity of 99.8% and a sensitivity of 99.5%. Our S Protein immunoassay has a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 96.6%. More than 6,000-10,500 samples were tested for validation for the immunoassay. Our S Protein lateral flow test has a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for IgM and 97.5% for IgG. More than 80 samples were tested for validation for the lateral flow test. Both tests are FDA EUA approved.
To account for vaccinated individuals, antibody testing requirements have been updated by the Chinese Consulate-General. Travelers to China are required to have an anti-S antibody test, and an anti-N protein antibody test if positive on the S Protein. If you have been vaccinated, you may be and are likely to be positive for the S Protein. You will then be tested for the N protein. If you are S Protein Positive, N Protein Negative, RT-PCR Negative, and Vaccinated with Moderna, Pfizer, or Janssen, you should be fine to travel to China. Should you test positive on the S Protein, we will process your sample on the N protein as required by the Chinese Consulate General at no extra cost.
Our molecular test detects multiple (ORF1, S, and N) SARS-CoV-2 Targets and an MS2 phage and has a sensitivity and specificity of >99.9. Since this test is designed to detect multiple genetic targets, the overall test sensitivity should not be impacted by current variant mutations. Our RT-PCR test covers all variants.