VTL and Category I travellers arriving in Singapore are currently required to undergo a PCR test at Changi Airport, after which they must isolate at home or in a hotel until a negative result is received.
These tests cost S$125 per person, and results take up to 12 hours to come back (though in practice, results often come back sooner than that- in the half dozen VTL trips I’ve done, I’ve waited anywhere from 4 to 8 hours).
While I’m hopeful these will eventually be replaced by faster, cheaper ARTs, those willing to pay more for an express test result now have an alternative option: LAMPs.
LAMP testing now available at Changi Airport
As spotted by eagle-eyed MileLion readers, the Safe Travel Concierge portal has been updated with an additional on-arrival testing option: Express LAMP.
Express LAMP tests will cost S$204, with results ready within one hour.
A limited number of Express LAMP tests are available at any given time slot, so travellers who require one are advised to book it as soon as their plans are confirmed. This also means that if your flight is delayed, you may not be able to take an Express LAMP if all the slots are filled.
Travellers cannot change their test type after making a booking unless they cancel their existing booking and make a new one. Unused PCR or LAMP tests can be refunded, subject to a S$3 administrative fee.
The Safe Travel Concierge FAQs have also been updated to provide more information on the Express LAMP test option.
| ❓ What is LAMP testing? |
|
Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) is a similar process to PCR testing but produces many more viral RNA copies at a constant temperature instead of heating and cooling so can have a result much quicker – within a couple of hours or even faster. A swab is used to take samples from the nose or throat, or mucus from hard coughing can also be used. The swabbing does not need to be as vigorous as it is for the PCR test. The samples are then placed in vials of reagents (substances that produce a chemical reaction to detect the RNA), then heated in a special machine for 20 minutes. The machine then analyses the sample and confirms if there is any SARS-CoV-2 RNA. |
Who would find this useful?
I could certainly see Express LAMP tests being useful for business travellers on tight schedules, to whom the additional S$79 expense is nothing compared to the time and productivity savings.
It could even enable holiday goers to squeeze out that extra bit of vacation. If your flight lands early in the morning, a 1-hour LAMP test could have you in office on the same day, conserving precious leave time.
Conclusion
VTL and Category I arrivals at Changi Airport can now book an Express LAMP test for S$204, with results back within one hour. This allows them to exit isolation much faster than with a PCR test, although it’s unclear whether they’ll be permitted to wait at the airport for results.
While this is a welcome development, the true breakthrough for me will be when ARTs replace PCR testing on arrival.
Would you pay the extra for an Express LAMP test?
(HT: asprino)
Wouldn’t pay, am waiting for the cheaper ART replacement, hopefully coming soon?!
Oh god that means they aren’t changing it to ARTs any time soon, are they? I cant believe how countries like Australia are so much more open at this stage of the endemix and we’re still taking about VTLs, SHN (still a thing for most countries!) and PCR on arrival and pre departure and 50% capacity on specific flights. Madness ,with no logic whatsoever someone that tests positive for COVID has to stay in for 72h (if tests negative) yet arriving from most countries and non VTL flights gets you 7 days at home. No logic whatsoever Is this how… Read more »
I always thought that ARTs, if they do happen, would be something to expect over the next 3+ months. so offering express LAMP can still make sense insofar as it tides us over till then…
I really really hope it doesn’t mean the change to ARTs is delayed. As a triple vaxxed Australian I am desperate to visit Singapore for a holiday and spend little to no money on testing and more on the hawker food!
one should note that ART testing on arrival in Australia seems to be more due to their lack of having scaled up PCR testing rather than the scientific wish to prefer ART testing. The madness that happened over the Christmas holidays and the quick move from PCR to ART in that period seems to undermine my thoughts on the matter. Still, I am happy for the ART.
no PCR-LAMP slots available on 17FEB, 24FEB, 04MAR, 24MAR, 10APR.
i suspect they haven’t opened them up yet actually. no way they got booked up so quickly
EDIT: 17FEB is available, just booked it. Turns out an existing Safe Travel “trip” cannot have a new PCR test booking, you need to reinsert the entire trip from new.
Yawn… When can we stop this madness…
Qantas just knocked Changi off the Kangaroo flight
Paying for COVID arrival test at Changi is coded as MCC 8099 Medical Services – which does not earn 4MPD on DBS Womans.
Wow, this news aged fast!
i’m actually very confused about this now. if cat I and VTL does ART, and everyone else does PCR at end of SHN, who does LAMP?