Testing at Tampa International Airport

This testing center is meant for passengers traveling to and from Tampa International Airport. Travelers should plan ahead to make sure they obtain the right kind of test for their needs and allow adequate time for processing – usually three days before travel to destinations where a negative PCR test result is necessary.

As part of this pilot program at TPA, BayCare will be offering two kinds of tests at TPA: PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and antigen. 

The PCR test takes about 48 hours* to obtain results and is the most globally-accepted tool for determining that you do not have COVID-19 at the time you are tested. Most destinations that have COVID-19 restrictions require a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of travel to exempt the traveler from a mandatory quarantine. Therefore, travelers should seek a PCR test three days before their departure to provide the best chance of getting results in time. Cost is $150.

The antigen test is considered most accurate within 5 days of COVID-19 type symptom onset (fever, shortness of breath, and cough) and can be processed onsite in less than an hour. The test can provide peace of mind for travelers wanting to be sure they aren’t infectious, but it may be of limited use in avoiding government-mandated quarantines at a destination. Cost is $60.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control and the U.S. State Department both maintain listings of COVID-19 related travel advisories.

*BayCare will do everything in its power to return test results in a timely manner. Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances, including testing supply limitations, a surge in community demand, or laboratory processing delays, may cause some test results to take longer to return. BayCare and Tampa International Airport are not liable for any travel plans that may be impacted by an unexpected delay in returning laboratory results to travelers.

• Proof of travel within three days or of recent arrival (i.e. boarding pass, airline receipt)
• Payment for test: Credit card only. No insurance claims will be processed at testing site.
• Wear a mask: Masks and social distancing are required throughout the airport.

Testing is currently available seven days a week between 8am-1:30pm on a walk-in basis.*

Patients should plan ahead to allow adequate time for processing.

See table below for PCR test processing.

*Hours of operation are subject to change, due to demand. Travelers are advised to check back here to confirm times before they head to the airport for a test.

The testing site is located inside Main Terminal of Tampa International Airport. Passengers can park for free for the first hour in the short-term garage and proceed to Level 3 between shuttle entrances to Airsides E and F. 

Upon arrival at the airport up to three days before their departure – or upon immediately disembarking from an arriving flight – travelers should follow the signs on the 3rd floor of the Main Terminal to Airside E and F shuttles. They will see signs for the testing site, which is designed to insure privacy during test collection. 

Face masks are required and social distancing should be maintained at all times except during the actual test collection. 

Please note that COVID-19 tests are point-in-time diagnostic tools. A negative result does not rule out a person from developing COVID-19 in the future.

Registration 

Travelers should bring proof of travel (boarding pass or airline receipt) as well as be prepared to provide their Social Security number*, an email address and a mobile phone number. This contact information will speed the notification of test results by allowing travelers to check the BayCare Patient Portal as soon as 24 hours after testing to see if results have returned.  

All passengers taking a test will be required to sign a testing consent form, excluding BayCare Health System and Tampa International Airport for any liability regarding test results, unexpected delays in test processing and any potential impact on travel plans.

*Travelers who do not have a Social Security number or who do not want to provide one will receive results in a different manner, which is detailed below.

Procedure

Each traveler will have the test administered by a licensed professional in a privacy bay. The PCR test uses a nasopharyngeal swab. The antigen test uses a nasal swab. 

Should there be a wait for service, travelers will have the option to wait outside on the adjacent terrace instead of inside the building. 

Results

Travelers with a positive result are highly encouraged to cancel all travel plans, quarantine and contact a physician. Under law, BayCare is required to report all positive results to the Florida Department of Health.

Travelers with a negative result should print a copy or store a copy on their mobile device. Based on itinerary, some airlines as well as government officials will require the document for travel or upon arrival. 

To obtain results:  

Travelers will receive information during registration about how to access the BayCare Patient Portal. 

PCR Test results: Travelers can begin checking the BayCare Patient Portal as early as 24 hours after their test collection for results. If travelers haven’t seen results within 72 hours, they can call 1-800-BayCare for assistance.

Antigen Test results: Travelers may wait onsite for test results, which take less than an hour.

Travelers who did not provide a Social Security number during registration will either be notified by text on their mobile device (negative results) or by a phone call (positive results).