TULSA, Okla. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends travelers test for COVID-19 one to three days before their flights.
Although airports across the country offer COVID-19 testing prior to flights, those results have not been done in real-time, allowing for a possible spread. The Tulsa International Airport teamed with Tulsa based Alpha Xpress Labs to provide real-time testing.
Nathan Gates, the vice president of Alpha Xpress, said they are able to provide this service because he has put lab equipment inside TIA.
“This is the first to have a CILA certified molecular instrument actually on site to deliver PCR results quickly,” Gates said.
Passengers traveling internationally are required to have a negative test before boarding the plane.
Gene and Nancy Gardner are traveling to Brazil in hopes of bringing their exchange student to the states. They were the first passengers tested Monday morning at TIA.
“This was quick and easy," Gene Gardner said.
The couple is from Kansas and have been trying to fly out of Tulsa for several days.
“The first time we tested too early," Gardner said. "The second time, we couldn’t get the type of test to get on the plane.”
The couple had their results within an hour before heading to Brazil.
For more information on what type of testing is available and the costs, click here.
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