XpresSpa offers 30 minute PCR COVID-19 tests at SFO and 10 other US airports

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has become the latest US gateway to open a COVID-19 testing facility operated by the XpresSpa Group.

The XpresCheck at SFO is a pop-up facility located pre-security, near the baggage claim area on the Arrivals level at Terminal 3 and boasts nine separate testing rooms that between them are capable of conducting 500 tests per day.

COVID-19 testing options include a Rapid Molecular COVID-19 Test, the standard Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test, and a new Rapid PCR test in the near future, with results available in as little as 30 minutes.

Doug Satzman, XpresSpa CEO, stated: “We are delighted to launch XpresCheck at San Francisco International Airport. Through our trusted relationship with United Airlines, we can now offer travellers and airline employees convenient COVID-19 testing options at our on-site testing facility.

“Additionally, several direct flights to Hawaii originate at SFO and we are proud to be a trusted partner of Hawaiian Airlines and the state of Hawaii. As airport traffic continues to increase, we are pleased to be doing our part to make everyone feel more comfortable through this additional layer of safety.”

Lori Augustine, United Airlines’ vice president of airport operations at SFO, said: “We’re thrilled to offer United customers traveling through San Francisco yet another testing option – this time, conveniently located before security inside our terminal – to help them meet the entry requirements at their final destination.

“United customers will be able to easily upload their test results into Travel-Ready Center and start their travel with peace of mind.”

While SFO airport director, Ivar Satero, enthused: “We welcome the addition of an XpresCheck COVID-19 Pop-Up Testing Facility at SFO.

“As the first airport in the US to launch an onsite rapid testing capability, we understand the importance of giving travellers convenient on-airport testing options. We thank both United Airlines and the XpresSpa Group for bringing this concept to SFO.”

XpresSpa is quick to note that it is rolling out ThermoFisher’s ‘gold standard’ Accula PCR test option at 11 major US airports with international service (BOS, DCA, DEN, EWR, IAD, IAH, JFK, PHX, SFO, SLC and SEA), with results available within 30 minutes.

The new test it says, will be especially beneficial to international travellers, as some countries only accept a PCR test to allow entry.

According to health experts,  notes XxpresSpa, the type of test being offered with the Accula test at XpresSpa locations is more sensitive and has fewer false negatives than other kinds of tests, including rapid antigen tests.

Thermo Fisher’s Accula testing system is already used in a variety of health care settings, by movie studios and the NBA, NFL, MLB and other professional sports organisations to screen actors, players, crew and staff.