• long running

[NSW, QLD, VIC] Pre-Departure Express PCR Test and 1 Day PCR $79 @ Histopath (International Departure Terminals)

1873

I think PCR tests prices are slowly coming down.
As Histopath has reduced their prices for all testing including PCR $79 and PCR plus antibody(for China) $120

I used myself this for 1 day pcr test. I visited walk in clinic at 1300 and received my certificates just after 4 hours .

Thanks to@ Abure Bauer
Currently Histopath is the cheapest option for Travel RTPCR.

Listing some more options as well If u don't have a histopath collection centre near you .

[NSW] https://granvillecovid19clinic.com.au/travel-overseas/
$100 on weekdays and 120 $ on weekends.

Medlab
https://medlab.com.au/need-covid-19-testing-travel
$100

https://www.4cyte.com.au/Travel_Covid.php
Cost $120 .

Healius/Laverty collection centres.

https://consumer.healius.com.au/
Normally $150 .

Use code EKPCR20 for $20 discount if travelling by Emirates

If travelling by Srilankan Airlines use code UL605 for $20 off

https://safeworklaboratories.com.au/
Normally $150

Use coupon code ETIHAD21 to get $20 off if your are flying with Etihad .

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Comments

        • I think it is better to verify from your airline. When I checked my airline the staff member said they will accept any PCR test with certified stamp and it does not come with free one. But I have heard our GP can do this but this is not tested verified.

          • @salman679: They insisted to check whatever is available online on their website as per departure and arrival airports. And online I just got this that was updated on 01 Nov 2021:

            "In case that Qatar Airways or government regulation requires you to present a negative COVID-19 test result on departure and/or arrival, Qatar Airways will verify this information at check-in and retain a copy of the test result. Please have additional copies of the test result available with you for submission. Passengers are also required to complete, sign and submit a consent form at the check-in counters along with their negative COVID-19 test result. Click here to download the consent form."

            • +1

              @usmanhafeez2000: This is sample report of NSW health (free one) , this was posted in OZ bargain on other thread :
              This is what i got from other group:I got tested yesterday through NSW Health network, ideally hospitals. Here is the sample report through pathology (https://my.pathology.health.nsw.gov.au/authentication/authen…). Anyone can verify it through QR code and it mentions "TRAVEL" too. Please see below:

              NSW Health Pathology
              Level 5, 45 Watt Street, Newcastle, NSW, 2300
              T +61 2 4920 4000 | ABN 49 382 586 535

              06-Nov-2021 QR Code

              RE: PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL
              COVID-19 PATHOLOGY TEST RESULT FOR PRESENCE OF SARS-CoV-2
              Patient Name:……………., DOB:……………., SEX:……………..

              This is to confirm that the person named above had a COVID-19 Nasopharyngeal/Nasopharynx
              swab (nose/throat swab) taken on 05-Nov-2021 02:51 pm.

              COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The COVID-19 pathology test identifies
              the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA in the sample taken from a person.

              Result: At the time of the test, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was NOT DETECTED (negative) by PCR.

              If confirmation of this result is required for travel, employment or education purposes, visit the
              NSW Health Pathology verification portal at verify.pathology.health.nsw.gov.au and scan the QR
              code above for instant verification.

              Should the person develop any symptoms of COVID-19, they should be re-tested in accordance
              with current NSW Health guidelines requiring any person in NSW with symptoms to be tested for
              COVID-19.

              This is an official document which has been issued to a patient as a hard copy of their negative
              COVID-19 result to support their travel or return to school or work. Falsifying or tampering with an
              official document is a serious offence.

              Yours Sincerely,
              Dr …………………………….
              COVID-19 Incident Controller
              NSW Health Pathology Pandemic Response


              Even though there are no stamps but for a second we consider this is acceptable without stamp But catch is There is scan code , and I am assuming after scanning this code : there will be some external link which will flag this is not for international travel.
              Plus so many pathology presence in Airport is alarming that they are aware it will happen then passengers will rush to test again..But again some one needs to test /verify this .. This is all assumptions:)

              • @salman679: "Even though there are no stamps but for a second we consider this is acceptable without stamp But catch is There is scan code , and I am assuming after scanning this code : there will be some external link which will flag this is not for international travel."

                Good luck with that at the airport buddy.

                • +4

                  @madreece: I suppose if one likes to save money then they can check in at the airport extra early using the government test. If it gets accepted then sweet. If it gets rejected then they quickly rush over to Histopath and get a $79 test in one hour.

                  • @capslock: Agree

                  • @capslock: That's a good idea, but by govt. test, did you mean to take the test at one of the path labs and then go to aiport?

              • @salman679: Thanks for this mate. It says it can be verified for travel purposes, so I guess it should cover th einternational travel as well, unless I am missing anything.

                "If confirmation of this result is required for travel, employment or education purposes, visit the
                NSW Health Pathology verification portal at verify.pathology.health.nsw.gov.au and scan the QR
                code above for instant verification."

                • @usmanhafeez2000: The NSW health authority has announced : this is not for international travel and This is official statement.

                  • +1

                    @salman679: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/clin…

                    COVID-19 testing for international travel clearance purposes (departures) is conducted at private pathology clinics only and charges apply for this service. If you return a negative result, you will be issued with a testing clearance certificate which you will need to board your flight or vessel. You may be required to book in advance for this service.

                    Contact your nearest private pathology clinic for more information on bookings and testing costs for international travel (departures). You can find your nearest clinic in the list below.

                    • +2

                      @squashy: My family travelled today via Qatar Airways and we did free testing at NSW Pathology at Mount Druitt Hospital. No questions asked. Airlines just ask for a Negative PCR test within 72 hours.

              • @salman679: Can you link to the other thread you mention please?

  • Good price. I paid $150 in Melbourne last week for a flight to JFK on the weekend. Just got another done here in NYC yesterday to fly out tonight and it was $170 USD. It's crazy how expensive they are. $79 is a bargain!

    • Agree, I've seen $450 USD in some tourist locations!

  • The MBS doesn’t cover travel in its item number which is why these tests are charged privately.

    The pathology companies could technically have the fee rejected from the MBS if they tried to claim it for someone who was just doing it as a requirement for travel.

    http://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/EBC9B7D556F8D728CA25852D00802BAF/$File/CoVid-19-mbs-items-69476-69477-69479-69480-69485-69501.pdf

  • If I'm travelling Wednesday 2pm from Sydney to lax and it says 72hrs before should I get it done on Sunday or Monday or Tuesday?

  • Is it possible to get an antibody test for myself even though I'm not travelling overseas? I'll happily pay but the last time I asked my GP a couple of months back she said there wasn't any antibody test in Australia, even if I wanted to pay.

    Can anyone advise?

    • @ Histopath if you are in NSW

      RT-PCR SWAB + BLOOD ANTIBODY
      $120
      Results same day

      Request this test for next day departure

      Only in NSW

      • Would they allow me to take this even if I'm not travelling anywhere?

        • +3

          I don't think the Pathology cares if you travel or not…

  • Hi everyone, does anyone know whether the free medicare run testing clinic PCR tests, are all that is required to travel interstate? Looking forward to my VIC to QLD travel in late December and wondering whether I need to pay for a Histopath test or can I use the free testing in the days leading up! Ta

    • +2

      I was considering the same myself but the community testing you're talking about really requires symptomatic presentation or identification as a close contact.

      I suppose you could just say you've got a scratchy throat but is it really the best use of public funds to facilitate your holiday?

      You should clarify with the QLD government whether community testing is sufficient.

      • +8

        I pay taxes and don't collect welfare. I don't feel guilty at all using taxpayer (my) money to get a test for personal travel.

        • +2

          I also pay taxes and don't collect welfare and I hold a different view.

          • +1

            @djsherly: I don't think it is the best use of public funds to buy Cartier watches and pay massive bonuses to already highly paid government executives but it still happens anyway.

            • +1

              @capslock: There’s a lot of stuff I don’t agree with too, but with this take take take mentality is it any surprise it happens?

    • As I understand it you'll need a certificate that states all your detail, so free tests (SMS response only) is not acceptable

  • +1

    I'm leaving for Paris on the 27th Dec and I haven't yet organised my pre-flight covid test, so this will be perfect I reckon. I was looking at the same service a few days ago and it was $150, so nice to see that it has come down in price.

  • Is anyone travelling to London with Qantas? All I can find is that it doesn't require pre-departure pcr test but was wondering if anyone can confirm that?

    • confirm PCR test not required. This is under the assumption you are fully vaccinated. I believe also Qantas only allow vaccinated travellers only.
      Having said these, depending on when you are going, you may want to check it again as things do change, as the case of Covid is getting worse there.
      https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-c…

  • Do we need this done again when we come back?

  • note that this lab is not open 24/7 (info from their site). if the flight is at 6 AM or before, you can't do it just before travelling, will still need to go the day before for it. The rate is still better than other labs.

  • Is it possibly cheap because it's not accredited?

    https://nata.com.au/accredited-organisation/histopath-diagno…

  • Hi all,

    I'm looking at My Health Record through MyGov and for each of the COVID tests (all public, drive through) I've done there's a pathology report provided. It appears to fulfill the required criteria for overseas/domestic travel so just wondering if you print this off would it be accepted? Or still have to pay for one of these private tests? Thanks!

  • +3

    Currently Histopath is the cheapest option for Travel RTPCR.

    Listing some more options as well If u don't have a histopath collection centre near you .

    [NSW] https://granvillecovid19clinic.com.au/travel-overseas/
    $100 on weekdays and 120 $ on weekends.

    Medlab
    https://medlab.com.au/need-covid-19-testing-travel
    $100

    https://www.4cyte.com.au/Travel_Covid.php
    Cost $120 .

    Healius/Laverty collection centres.

    https://consumer.healius.com.au/
    Normally $150 .

    Use code EKPCR20 for $20 discount if travelling by Emirates

    If travelling by Srilankan Airlines use code UL605 for $20 off

    https://safeworklaboratories.com.au/
    Normally $150

    Use coupon code ETIHAD21 to get $20 off if your are flying with Etihad .

  • Hopefully they setup one at the domestic terminal in Sydney to visit Plucka-Duck land after Dec 17th.

  • -1

    Being in Melb, I think I will go for the $120 4cytre instead.
    You can't check in without PCR result, that means you have to get to the airport 1.5 hours early just for the test.
    No point to wait that long, with no shops and restaurant open, nothing to do, just to save $41,
    such a waste of time, that's lower than my hourly wages lol

  • Any express PCR tests available in Adelaide?

  • Warning. Histopath are one of the most incompetent organisations I have dealt with. Needed a PCR test to travel to the UK so paid for a 24 hour result test , 72 hours before departure.

    The next day, after 24 hours and with no result I called. Two hours waiting to talk to someone and ended up at an Indian Call centre who were beyond clueless. They assured me it would come soon. It didn't.

    I spent much of the last 24 hours before my flight on hold to their call centre in between talking briefly to call centre staff who provided no help whatsoever.

    The certificate arrived 3 hours before departure. Would never use Histopath again. Cheap for a reason.

    • That’s bad. Which center did you take the PCR test in? I had a similar experience with Aus Clinical Labs and apparently it was due a data entry error by one of the new recruits (or so they told me) who entered the mobile number in another field and the system kept showing that SMS was sent. And you are right, the call takes above 1 hour to connect, and unless you get a knowledgeable agent, you are screwed. I had to make 3 calls until finally someone could identify the issue. This was not for travel though.

      • Was in Cromer. Of course it could be better elsewhere but would not risk it again

  • Spoke to my GP and he is willing to test and provide the pcr test certificate for my whole family for free :-)

    • The loophole for GP is to give you referral for COVID test and the pathology report will be sent to GP as he referred.This is not something new ,every one can do this ! And most probably it will be accepted by airline and lets not go in this discussion.
      But be aware this report is also notified to department of health as well plus if you are leaving country your vaccination status and these PCR reports would be uploaded to health department. And it can be audited as well so you and your GP can be in trouble if you are going to use this for international travel purposes.

      • Australian government doesn't require negative COVID test for those leaving the country so why would the traveller's PCR report be updated to the health department? Besides, travel exemption is managed by the state health departments but the federal home affairs department.

        • I was told airline are asking 2 copies at check in.And GP records and referral records are audit-able even if this is not checked at he airport. All records are 1 click away so I think its some one decision what he is achieving and what could be at risk in future !!

          • @salman679: I'm not suggesting anyone to go down the GP root but I'm not sure it's right to state a future possibility as a present fact.

            As far as I understand (and I've been organising international travel for family members), airlines only asks to see the document and the traveller would then have to keep it on them throughout their journey. The airlines won't want to take the risk of losing people's sensitive information unless they are required by law to retain a copy, just like they'd only sight your passport and visa but not retain a copy of them just in case.

            • +1

              @Love a bargain: Fair enough and agreed here!! But my point is of bigger picture,The pathologies and Govt are trying their best to avoid handing covid results . This is for the reason sure!! I understand ppl are falsifying the data for bank/loan etc. But falsifying and putting ur stakes for such a small amount compare to whole journey cost , not understandable. May be worth doing If some one is student but if someone want to live long term in Australia then its not worth. There was recent child care subsidies scandal due to such reasons and all records upto many years audited!!

              • @salman679: It's a tough balance when we've state borders as well as international border to deal with + the many reasons one might need to proof they don't have COVID without leaving your own state.

                Taking NSW as an example, while NSW Health clearly states that: "COVID-19 testing for international travel clearance purposes (departures) is conducted at private pathology clinics only", the report they now produce does seem to include adequate information required for international arrival into a number of countries. In which case, it's up to the authorities to come up with ways to stop their resources being mis-used.

                While it is easy to say "if you can afford to go overseas, you can afford to pay for the required tests (or rather you should have factored that into the equation when you decide whether you can afford to go, just like you would with visa costs, etc)", this is OzB after all.

                • @Love a bargain: Again I am agreed with you! But even on Ozb you will see when someone is pointing for free test ,that user is straight away getting negatives ,just see this deals initial comments you will find even Ozb community in major is not in favour of getting free report by giving false info to GP or to free NSW clinics in hospitals.
                  There is another Histopath post on ozb when they reduced price to $100, you will get the overall OZB community approach. Just read the comments to get idea . And yes there are who still in favour of free test but they would be less than 5 percent!!saving money is great idea thatswhy we all are here on ozb but I will repeat again ,it’s every one personal choice what type of risk he is willing to take for saving $X!

                  • @salman679: Yes, totally a personal choice of ethic. Just as some would be willing to exploit any marketing campaigns and some would draw the line at small, start-up businesses. Or the old case of someone boiling water and cooking on the public BBQ. Neither is straightly speaking illegal but might be frown upon by some/ many.

                    I'm by no mean saying this is what I'd be comfortable doing/ endorsing the use of the "free" community tests for international travel. All I am trying to say is that it's the authorities that have created this "loophole" and it's up to them to fix it.

                    However, I think you've over-exaggerated the "risks" especially in the context of getting a test at a walk-in testing clinic located at a hospital site rather then the case of going to a GP. Those walk-in clinics are meant to test both symptomatic and asymptomatic members of the public (including those who need to be tested because of where their job or if those who need to attend a medical appointment), and you are not required to declare why you are getting tested so they can't even accuse you for making a false declaration.

                    As for the GP case, I don't know if the GP had to bend any rule or not so I can't really form a view on how risky it might be for the GP but surely not for the "patients".

                    I should also add that it shouldn't take real risks/ enforceable penalties for people to do the right thing.

        • All Covid PCR tests whether negative and positive for Covid are notifiable tests and are reported to the health department.

          Even for negative covid swabs on the bottom of the report (in Vic for example) same in NSW etc the notice says:

          PLEASE NOTE: this result has been notified by the laboratory to the
          Victorian Department of Health. Notification for this result is NOT
          required by the referring medical practitioner. For further enquiries
          please contact the Victorian Department of Health on 1300 651 160.

          • @meowsers: Also I forgot to mention in Victoria the health department literally has a search tool called the Negative Test Tracker and can look up any negative test result.

      • 'most probably' sounds like it ought to be gone into.

  • I'm flying out of Melbourne in a few days (3rd December) to India. What's the cheapest test location?

  • +1

    Link now says "Page not found"

    Website seems dodgy

    • Back now!!

    • +1

      they were upgrading their website and moved to a new url

  • I thought the express PCR test are not valid for travel. Am I missing something?

  • -1

    These faulty and dubious PCR tests have been driving the pandemic and here you all are trying to save twenty bucks to comply. Weren't the vaccines meant to get rid of all this rubbish and control.

    • How are the tests faulty in WA, SA, Qld and Tassie?

    • +1

      THIS ^ magnify some genetic fragment until you get what you want.

  • +1

    Hi all,

    I got tested yesterday through NSW Health network, ideally hospitals. Here is the sample report through pathology (https://my.pathology.health.nsw.gov.au/authentication/authen…). Anyone can verify it through QR code and it mentions "TRAVEL" too.

    Please see the report below:

    NSW Health Pathology
    Level 5, 45 Watt Street, Newcastle, NSW, 2300
    T +61 2 4920 4000 | ABN 49 382 586 535

    06-Nov-2021 QR Code

    RE: PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL
    COVID-19 PATHOLOGY TEST RESULT FOR PRESENCE OF SARS-CoV-2

    Patient Name:……………., DOB:……………., SEX:……………..

    This is to confirm that the person named above had a COVID-19 Nasopharyngeal/Nasopharynx
    swab (nose/throat swab) taken on 05-Nov-2021 02:51 pm.

    COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The COVID-19 pathology test identifies
    the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA in the sample taken from a person.

    Result: At the time of the test, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was NOT DETECTED (negative) by PCR.

    If confirmation of this result is required for travel, employment or education purposes, visit the
    NSW Health Pathology verification portal at verify.pathology.health.nsw.gov.au and scan the QR
    code above for instant verification.

    Should the person develop any symptoms of COVID-19, they should be re-tested in accordance
    with current NSW Health guidelines requiring any person in NSW with symptoms to be tested for
    COVID-19.

    This is an official document which has been issued to a patient as a hard copy of their negative
    COVID-19 result to support their travel or return to school or work. Falsifying or tampering with an
    official document is a serious offence.

    Yours Sincerely,
    Dr …………………………….
    COVID-19 Incident Controller
    NSW Health Pathology Pandemic Response

    • so you just go to one of those free COVID testing site and asked to be tested? Don't they ask you the reason?

      • I was little coughing for the last few days before going to test. I just answered what they asked. I’m not travelling but this report can be used for TRAVEL as mentioned. Just login to the mentioned site and print your result.

        • +3

          It’s domestic travel they are talking about. Not international.

          • +1

            @iCandy: Hi,
            Not necessarily. It Al depends on the individual airlines. For example, Singapore airlines would accept it. Please check it in their site: https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/travel-info/covid-19/#…
            It says:

            Covid-19 Test Result Memo
            …………

            The Covid-19 PCR test or ART must be taken at a recognised or accredited clinic, laboratory or medical facility. Self-administered tests will not be accepted. For a smoother check-in process, you should check if the clinic is able to provide a test certificate with a corresponding QR code. This QR code should link to your digital pre-departure test certificate. The test certificate must also be in English, and state the following:

            Name of the testing institution conducting the Covid-19 test;
            Type of test;
            A negative test result;
            Test date;
            Name of the traveller as indicated in his/her passport; and

            At least one other detail of the traveller such as:
            date of birth
            nationality/citizenship
            passport number
            national identity number

            If the details are not stated in the passport, you should have the relevant identification document on hand for verification.

          • +3

            @iCandy: My family travelled today via Qatar Airways and we did free testing at NSW Pathology at Mount Druitt Hospital. No questions asked. Airlines just ask for a Negative PCR test within 72 hours.

            • @usmanhafeez2000: Does anyone else know of other locations in Sydney where the test is done by NSW Pathology which provides the report in the format as above with QR code? Some sites I know are done by Lavertry (which doesn't have a QR code from experience). Thanks in advance.

    • how did you get the results? Was it through an email. also did you have to register before going there?

  • -2

    You mean to say they make you PAY for a shitty test that doesn't even work? 😂

    • -1

      I have run out of negs.

      Misinformation/lies without any reference to evidence. (Bitchute vids are not evidence).

      • +1

        Why neg it ? What cycle count are they using ? Mmmm I wonder :) . Don't neg just keep an open mind :)

  • Anyone know if this is a special offer while travel numbers are lower or if these prices will continue into new year? Wondering if I should pre-pay these tests.

  • -1
    • Plan to travel to SA early Dec and wondering if sms result is ok or still need to pay $79 per person.

    • Only for QLD for now, and probably interstate travel in the near future. Most international flights will still require you to pay.

  • Most countries require 48 to 72 hours.

  • Any recent experiences with this service in Melbourne?

  • Use code EKPCR20 for $20 discount if travelling by Emirates

    Hi OP, where do you enter the codes while booking online?

    • Histopath $79 is still cheaper even after availing this offer from healius / laverty labs! As they are doing PCR test in $150!! Sorry, I have not availed myself i just added these codes after some comment from user section!

      • Thanks, by any chance do you know if these histopath's express pcr test is accepted by Germany and India?

  • +2

    Waiting for my result at Melbourne airport.

    Couple of tips, the queue was almost an hour so factor that in on top of the 1.5 hour wait for the result. Second, they insisted you had registered and prepaid. Had to leave the queue and scan the link to register and then start at the back again.

    • Thanks. Tried to contact thhem but to no avail. They encourage patrons to submit an enquiry online but they don't respond to that too. Submitted multiple enquiries in the last 3 weeks.

      • So glad I came on a separate trip earlier in the day before my flight. Got to the airport tonight and the queue was 5 or 6 times as long!

        • Great to hear that, how long did it take for them to fetch you the result?

          • @Zapwap: 45 minutes but they quoted 1.5 hours.

          • @Zapwap: Were you able to get the result eventually @Zapwap?

            • @archieduh: Not yet. My flight's tonight, so I'll be doing the testing in the arvo around 3.30. I'll update here as soon as done.

            • @archieduh: Got the results in about 45 minutes. Please be aware that queue gets longer from afternoon as I could see more flights were scheduled in the late afternoon/evening. When I got in line it took me around 25 mins to get tested and then about 45 mins for the result.

              Please allow at least 2-3 hours extra if your are flying late in the evening.

              • @Zapwap: Thank you so much. Best of journey.

              • @Zapwap: @Zapwap: any chance you could confirm if there is a doctor’s signature on the pcr report. My destination country requires this…

                • @vuithe: Yes all the certificates are digitally signed by the doctor/GP on duty.

                  I guess any destination country which requires doctor's signature, can verify it by scanning the QR code on the certificate or by ARTG identifier number.

                  In addition to this, your test results are notified to ministry of health and linked to your passport.

        • Do you have to wait around for the results? If dropping in to get tested earlier in the day that is.

  • For anyone thinking if one should pay or get the free govt test. Officially for travel, one has to use a private clinic certificate
    Health NSW travel clearance

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