It is an exciting time for the nation as lockdown starts to ease and we can socialise with family and friends and potentially even jet off on holiday. However, the regulations are complex, most importantly, the requirements to quarantine on return and for tests to be taken by the individual on day 2 and day 8 of quarantine. These tests must be delivered in UN3373 Biological Substance Category B packaging as well as complying to other regulations. Here are the 7 things you need to know about day 2 and day 8 testing for international travel!

1. The difference between Red, Amber and Green countries

The regulations for which tests you will require vary depending on which list the country you have travelled to is on. Green countries require no quarantine and no test to be done on arrival. Amber and Red both require the day 2 and day 8 tests to be taken during the 10-day quarantine period.

2. There are minimum standards to be met by each day 2 and day 8 test provider

All test providers must comply with a set of government guidelines to ensure uniformity across all tests, as detailed on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/testing-on-day-2-and-day-8-for-international-arrivals

3. What is the purpose of the day 2 and day 8 tests?

If the day 2 test is positive, it will then be analysed further, testing for, and monitoring the movement of new variants of COVID-19. The day 8 test will then be the final test before the quarantine ends, implemented following the incubation period of the virus to ensure that the virus has not become active during quarantine.

4. How to order day 2 and day 8 tests

Tests can be ordered from a private test provider of your choice, following manufacturer’s instructions on their respective websites. A reliable test provider can be found on the following list: https://www.gov.uk/find-travel-test-provider.

5. What is the Passenger Locator Form?

The Passenger Locator Form must be completed prior to travel and must include all passenger details. Each passenger requires their own form, and their test results will then be attached to the unique passenger number designated. This enables easier contact tracing.

6. What to do if the test is positive

The test results will be submitted instantly to the NHS Test and Trace service and data will be collated and distributed accordingly if someone needs to be notified if they came into contact with the positive test result owner. However, the quarantine period will not be reduced if the test is negative. The only way to reduce the quarantine time is to purchase a separate test under the “Test to Release” scheme.

7. How shuttlepac can help with the day 2 and day 8 testing

shuttlepac manufacture UN3373 compliant packaging. Suppling ShuttleBox and the ShutlePouch 95kPa component products for testing kit suppliers of day 2 and day 8 coronavirus testing. shuttlepac provide packaging to safely transport diagnostic samples classified UN3373 Biological Substances Category B and Packing Instruction P650. They also offer custom packaging and fulfilment. Contact us today to find out more websales@shuttlepac.com