Covid tests from Optum came in with no seal and are invalid

[debant]

I ordered the three pack of covid tests from the Celebrity website. They shipped out right away and we’re received within a few days. After reading another post about not opening up the boxes the first thing I did was look over the boxes. They appeared to look like someone opened and closed the flaps because the weren’t flush as I expected them to be. I then read the instructions that said it’s okay if the seal is slightly loose which to me should be unacceptable. The big problem is all three boxes I received had no seal at all, I immediately called Optum and they had me email them pictures to be reviewed so they can send me out new sealed boxes. I expressed to them how dissatisfied I was with the quality control of these even being shipped out to me without a seal. I spoke with a supervisor and she got my email right after I sent it and approved the replacement boxes to be shipped out ASAP. I’m hoping the next three come in with the seal because I’m stressed  out enough at this point to even have to be doing these tests ourselves. I am going to try to book a backup test but I will be in Florida a week before the cruise so I’ll need to find a place there with the rapid tests, I am posting the pictures for everyone to see what was sent to me. Both sides of the boxes. The seal should be a piece of plastic which is not on any of these boxes.
 

[JFontaine]

Redefines "carefree".  Good luck to you. 

[CHEZMARYLOU]

Slide the sleeve off. Is there a seal on the long end? I went through this too. The reps at optum are clueless. I don't know how anyone could think the box was sealed when the side flaps can be opened.

Edited December 4, 2021 by CHEZMARYLOU

[cruisinsusin]

We have done multiple Abbott Binax Now home tests over the past 6 months -The seal is a round clear sticker/tape, always on the long side. The 2 ends are not taped shut.

[goofysmom99]

I did receive one that was missing the seal on the long side so it was invalid.  Fortunately, had backups that were sealed beneath the sleeve. 

[jelayne]

When we got our tests I too thought that they were missing the seal until I read that it is not the ends that are sealed .  As others have said the seal is on the long side.  When I moved the sleeve the seal was there.

[shavdog]

We just rec'd our three pack....all have the round tape seal on the long side.....this is unreal

[debant]

OMG. You are all right. The seals are on the long side. This is crazy because then the end sides can be opened. I’m glad I posted this.Thank you everyone. 

[RGEDad]

2 hours ago, debant said:

I spoke with a supervisor and she got my email right after I sent it and approved the replacement boxes to be shipped out ASAP

What I find interesting is the Supervisor did ask for the Photos, but did not know the seal was on the long side... where the seals are placed.

[Ipeeinthepools]

1 hour ago, debant said:

OMG. You are all right. The seals are on the long side. This is crazy because then the end sides can be opened. I’m glad I posted this.Thank you everyone. 

 

Makes you wonder why even bother with the seals if you can open the ends of the box.

[catarazzi]

I just received my tests and the boxes are damaged. I’m worried they won’t allow them. Can someone please tell me how best to contact Optum? I have been unable to locate a phone number for Binax/eMeds. Any leads? Thanks!

[PTC DAWG]

EVERYBODY PANIC!

 

They didn’t even want to actually see the result on the camera of the test I did in September…

 

 

Edited December 4, 2021 by PTC DAWG

[Harrylinden]

I just looked at my tests for our cruise next week and the sides have no seal.The seal is under the slider part at the bottom of the box right below were it says Download the NAVICA app!  

Edited December 4, 2021 by Harrylinden

[llarsen]

Our boxes were a little smashed because we packed them to Italy in our suitcase but did not use them.

We used them in November and did not have any problem with the box being smashed. (I don't think they care about the box, they just need the barcode)

I did have several extra tests so I wasn't worried....BUT...

 

In November when we took a family reunion cruise and I brought one of the tests to a family member who flew in the night before our cruise, and during her proctored test realized the bottle of drops was EMPTY! She was not able to complete her test. My husband and I were already back home by the time we found out (over an hour away and it was almost midnight). I didn't sleep all night worrying that the test bottles might all be empty.

 

Thankfully, I brought all the extra tests with me the morning of the cruise and she was able to take her test and received her negative test results all within about 30 minutes. 

 

So as a precaution...Order extra tests or have a back up plan.

We will be using the extra tests for our January cruise, but since I ordered them in June and they were also kept in the car during our Nov cruise, I will be scheduling a PCR test at CVS 2 days before our cruise (as a back up in case the bottles are empty) and hopefully get those results back in time.

 

 

 

[Buckeye94]

This insert was included with my tests. See note #2. Fingers crossed, no problems! 

[Jim_Iain]

On 12/3/2021 at 5:37 PM, CHEZMARYLOU said:

Slide the sleeve off. Is there a seal on the long end? I went through this too. The reps at optum are clueless. I don't know how anyone could think the box was sealed when the side flaps can be opened.

I'm chuckling.     I'm one that never follows instructions so I opened the end and took the content out to make sure everything was included and that there was solution in the reagent tube.  I then put it back together and had no problem with the tests.

 

If the box is unsealed I would think you could just scotch tape it closed and when asked to break the seal just cut the tape.    They probably don't have the clarity to see such detail.    They had a hard enough time reading my drivers license and QR code.

[wrk2cruise]

10 hours ago, llarsen said:

We will be using the extra tests for our January cruise, but since I ordered them in June and they were also kept in the car during our Nov cruise,

 

You bought tests in June that won't be expired for Jan?    I bought tests in Oct and they expire a week before my Jan sailing.

[helen haywood]

No kidding!!  I ordered some last week and they expire first week in February!!

[CHEZMARYLOU]

32 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

I'm chuckling.     I'm one that never follows instructions so I opened the end and took the content out to make sure everything was included and that there was solution in the reagent tube.  I then put it back together and had no problem with the tests.

 

If the box is unsealed I would think you could just scotch tape it closed and when asked to break the seal just cut the tape.    They probably don't have the clarity to see such detail.    They had a hard enough time reading my drivers license and QR code.

How did you get past having to open the sealed bag in the box?  Maybe scotch tape the end you opened and slyly open the other end with scissors while being proctored?

Edited December 5, 2021 by CHEZMARYLOU

[llarsen]

On 12/4/2021 at 6:51 PM, wrk2cruise said:

 

You bought tests in June that won't be expired for Jan?    I bought tests in Oct and they expire a week before my Jan sailing.

The FDA has approved them for 3 months past their expiration date. 

• Please Note: your test kit may indicate an early expiration date. However, the FDA has approved a 3-month expiration extension for all test kits FDA Approval Letter.

[wrk2cruise]

Yes I'm aware of the extended expiry date.  The expiry date on the package was Sept.  I received them in Oct and the extended expiry date is Dec less than 2 weeks prior to my next cruise so I will have to order more.