Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is now offering COVID-19 rapid tests with results in 3 hours.
As we all know, a negative COVID-19 test has become as vital as a passport for travel these days. That’s why, LAX has started offering rapid COVID-19 tests that are processed in a state-of-the-art laboratory located at the airport.
“As more destinations around the world integrate COVID-19 testing requirements for arriving passengers, and as passengers are choosing to take steps to monitor their health when flying, providing easy access to rapid testing is another way LAX can help bolster safe travel. In our continuous quest to innovate and reimagine the airport experience, we partnered with the private sector to design, construct and open a first-of-its-kind on-site laboratory that will provide an accessible and affordable rapid testing solution.”
said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), in a press release.
With a pre-scheduled appointment, results from the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) nasal swab tests will be available in 3-5 hours for tests collected at the lab across from Terminal 6, while those collected at the Terminal 2 and Tom Bradley locations will be returned in under 24 hours.
Although some walk-up appointments may be available at the in-terminal locations based on demand, LAX says that appointments are highly recommended for all three locations.
The structure was constructed from modular shipping containers and is custom designed specifically for the LAX location on the Lower/Arrivals Level across from Terminal 6. Visitors will wait under shade coverings to complete their test at one of four open-air collection windows. The test results will be sent electronically. LAX says that it does not see the test results or any passenger’s personal information.
Clarity Lab solutions provides the test
To provide the testing, the airport has partnered with Boca Raton-headquartered Clarity Lab Solutions, a leading nationwide laboratory for COVID-19 testing. Grimshaw Architects and container-based structure fabricator SG Blocks designed LAX’s testing area.
The airport says that the lab is certified as a trusted testing partner by the State of Hawaii and tests are eligible to meet current travel requirements to the state.
Locations:
- The main lab and collection site is located across from Terminal 6 on the Lower/Arrivals level which is the only location that offers rapid results in 3-5 hours.
- Passengers can also purchase the PCR tests at the Tom Bradley International Terminal on the Upper/Departures level and the Lower/Arrivals Level baggage claim area of Terminal 2. Tests collected at these sites will be brought to the lab for processing, with results in under 24 hours.
Operation Hours:
The test sites will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the lab location across from Terminal 6, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Terminal 2 and Tom Bradley locations.
Appointments:
Appointments are highly recommended by LAX can be booked online here.
Costs:
The cost for a standard PCR test is $125. LAX recommends that customers keep a receipt of their purchase if the test’s cost is covered under a health plan.
If you have used this new COVID-19 testing facility at LAX Airport, let us know your experience in the comments section below.