Trying to help some friends plan their trip home... It looks to me like there's still some benefit to doing a molecular test (vs antigen), especially if driving. Specifically, the result being valid for 72 hours instead of 1 day (more than 24 hours if timed right, but not more than 48 hours).
Is there a reason not to do the molecular test, if they have access to a Walgreens testing appointment? They can drive home in 2 very long days (1 night), so in this scenario would test at Walgreens on Monday, hit the road on Tuesday morning about 7am, and be at the border Wednesday night. If they do an antigen test on Tuesday before leaving, they might not be able to get to the border by Wednesday night. Doing an antigen test on Wednesday morning also takes away driving time, though at least that test would still be valid on Thursday (but they don't want to spend 2 nights in hotels).
Also, is there any reason anyone goes to Walgreens and does a free PCR test instead of a free ID NOW test? From what I've read, both are acceptable at the Canadian border, but one has "results usually within 72 hours" and the other is "results usually within 24 hours". e.g. is one more intrusive, or less reliable, or something?
Thanks.
I always do the ID NOW test. It is a NAAT test and it gives you 72 hours. And you usually get your results in 2-3 hours back by email. (they say 24 hours but its always been 2-3 hrs)