Frequently Asked Questions

Our PCR Travel Certificates are successfully used at airline check-in and airport arrivals around the world. It is important that you verify your travel requirements through independent enquiries with your airline and relevant border authorities before you book your test, to ensure that you will meet any departure and arrival requirements .

COVID-19 testing requirements are different for every destination and airline, and can change at short notice. We recommend booking your PCR (RT-PCR) Travel Certificate test appointment once you are confident you are aware of your airline, layover destination and final destination's requirements and can be sure that your chosen appointment date and time is compliant with all.

Urgent Tests are no longer available

COVID-19 can be detectable by PCR for at least 3 months post infection. This happens with both nasopharyngeal and saliva tests. Some people may not test positive within the 3 months - others might. If you do still test positive you may still be able to fly. Please contact your GP to provide a "Fit To Fly" certificate which will state that you have previously had COVID-19 but are now asymptomatic and are assessed as fit to fly. You need to obtain this certificate AFTER the receipt of a POSITIVE COVID-19 test result and NOT before.

Please book your appointment under the passport you will present to airline and border authorities. If you may need to present more than one passport throughout your travel, please contact us at least 24 hours before your appointment.

COVID-19 testing requirements are different for every destination and airline, and can change at short notice. We recommend confirming these directly with your airlines or travel agent and with your destination/s dedicated webpages for incoming passengers. Star Alliance and IATA Travel Centre websites may be of help.

Standard Test Booking- appointments will receive their results by midnight on the day of testing. Bookings can be made online here.

Click on the blue “Cancel” link in the appointment confirmation email. This will also trigger a full refund, however it may take up to 15 days for funds to be processed. Refunds are paid to the credit card used to book the appointment. Appointments can only be cancelled up to 4 hours before the appointment time. Any refund for an appointment cancelled within 4 hours of the appointment will be available solely at the discretion of Rako Science.

Yes. Clients may visit us with or without appointments during our open hours at Ground Floor Kiosk opposite Zone E, Auckland International Airport Māngere, Auckland 2022.

Our PCR (RT-PCR) Travel Certificates are internationally recognised and include QR codes allowing airlines and border authorities to verify authenticity online. They are successfully used at airline check-in and airport around the world. It is important that you verify your travel requirements through independent enquiries with your airline and relevant border authorities before you book your test, to ensure that you will meet any departure and arrival requirements .

Our PCR (RT-PCR) Travel Certificates include QR codes allowing airlines and border authorities to verify authenticity online.

Rako Science can provide original signed copies of PCR Travel Certificates. When you arrive for your test, please advise our staff if you require an original signed copy. They will make arrangements for you to collect this from our Auckland International Airport site.

Standard Tests are $175 and Urgent Tests are $325.

Rako Science offers a premium service, with a guaranteed turnaround time. We operate 7 days a week, have an online booking system and customer service team for our client’s ease and peace of mind, friendly collection site staff at each of our seven locations, our own courier service for the transporting of all samples, and a team in our IGENZ laboratory who work solely on COVID-19 saliva samples. It is this team of staff and our wider business processes that allow us to offer all Kiwis a guaranteed turnaround time for their PCR (RT-PCR) Travel Certificates.

COVID-19 testing requirements are different for every destination and airline, and can change at short notice. We recommend confirming whether you require a hard copy PCR (RT-PCR) ) Travel Certificate with your airlines or travel agent and with your destination/s dedicated online information for incoming international passengers.

Rako Science has locations in Auckland and Hamilton. Appointments can be booked online here.

We recommend booking online to ensure we have capacity to complete your test. If you are unable to book online, please call 0800 122 355 and our friendly team will let you know whether we have availability at your preferred location and how to make payment upon arrival.

The test is voluntary and to start with it is recommended you provide a sample twice a week. The recommended frequency of testing will be updated depending on individual and society risk. We will notify you when the recommendations change.

Health and safety standard operating procedures are in place for infection control and are reviewed by our science team. Hand sanitisation points are provided. The collection site is frequently cleaned and sanitised, and appropriate PPE gear is worn by all our staff.

People with symptoms are able to be tested at a Rako testing location. Please be sure to wear a mask and let collection site staff know that you are symptomatic.

Rako Science collection sites are designed to make providing a sample quick and easy. After check-in, where identity is confirmed, people are provided with a teaspoon to drool into and produce 1ml of saliva to tip into a plastic tube. It is a quick, simple, painless process and after hand sanitisation you are free to go.

After treating, the samples are transported to the laboratory for processing. All appointments will receive their results by midnight on the same day of testing except in the unlikely event of a transport delay outside of our control. In this instance your results will be available within 24-hours. This may include instances where flights transporting samples to our laboratory are cancelled due to weather or mechanical issues.

COVID-19 is a notifiable disease and therefore once a positive result is confirmed in the laboratory the Rako Science team will immediately advise the local Medical Officer of Health and your organisation to ensure you get the health support you require as soon as possible.

Yes, it has been validated and accredited and is highly accurate. Why is Rako Science offering this service? Rako Science’s saliva test is an additional tool enabling large scale surveillance that is cost effective and repeatable to protect people against COVID-19 infection.

No, the saliva test and laboratory process is not set up to identify any other illness or substance. Samples that are processed and are negative will be destroyed after seven days.

Yes, the global company providing Rako Science with the assays for the laboratory has confirmed that the reagents are effective against the new, more infectious strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

On arrival at the lab, each treated sample is scanned in to maintain a secure chain of custody. Then a small amount of the saliva sample is processed by robots and transferred to a rt-qPCR machine which identifies whether the virus is present or not.

Rako Science collection staff wearing protective personal equipment who will check-in people and guide people through sanitisation and provision of the sample.

No, for at least 60 minutes before providing a saliva sample people should not eat, smoke, vape or drink anything other than water.

It is good to be well hydrated which makes it easier to provide a saliva sample, but no water should be consumed in the 30 minutes before the collection of the sample. Make sure to bring your device with the email appointment QR code to scan for easy check-in.

Participants are required to complete a booking form which includes all the information we need for the test. Travelers must also bring the form and their passport to the selected location. (Any information we collect from you will be dealt with confidentiality and we will comply with the Privacy Act 1993. For full details, please refer to our Privacy Policy here) Your saliva sample will be screened for COVID-19 only and unless positive, it will be destroyed after 7 days.

60 mins prior to supplying the sample, refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, vaping and cleaning your teeth. Stay hydrated, but 30 mins prior to supplying the sample cease drinking water.

You will be sent an SMS (text) notification confirming the result. Your Travel Pass App will be updated with an “OK to travel” status.

Your results are notified (as required by law) to your Regional Health Authority and they will provide you with all necessary directions. You will not be permitted to fly

Click on the blue “Cancel” link in the appointment confirmation email. This will also trigger a full refund, however it may take up to 15 days for funds to be processed. Refunds are paid to the credit card used to book the appointment. Appointments can only be cancelled up to 4 hours before the appointment time. Any refund for an appointment cancelled within 4 hours of the appointment will be available solely at the discretion of Rako Science.

Rako Science provides saliva-based COVID-19 surveillance testing at scale to protect New Zealand workers, businesses and vulnerable communities, and pre-departure PCR testing to international passengers leaving New Zealand.

The Rako Science saliva test is an RT-qPCR test, a nucleic acid amplification technique which Rako Science have adapted for the specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 only. The Rako Science test is not a rapid saliva-based antigen test, and is instead processed in the same way as a nasopharyngeal swab.

Rako Science's COVID-19 test runs for 40 amplification cycles.

Rako Science PCR COVID-19 testing is IANZ accredited (accreditation No. 987 IGENZ Ltd.) and is the only diagnostically validated PCR saliva test in New Zealand. Rako Science licensed their saliva protocol directly from developers at the University of Illinois in September 2020. Rako Science contracted Auckland based IANZ-accredited ISO15189 laboratory IGENZ and worked together to diagnostically validate the Rako Science test to an ISO15189 standard in December 2020. In January 2021 IGENZ achieved IANZ accreditation.

The sensitivity of the Rako Science saliva test is 97.0% when compared to nasopharyngeal swabs as the reference. If you invert the comparison and use Rako Science's saliva test as the reference, the nasopharyngeal swabs have a sensitivity of 97.0%. This demonstrates Rako’s saliva test has equal sensitivity to nasopharyngeal swabs.

The Rako Science saliva test was designed by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign scientists Martin Burke, Paul Hergenrother, Timothy Fan, Fadi Alnaji, Christopher Brooke, Kelsie Green, Robin Holland, Diana Rose Ranoa, and Leyi Wang. They created a testing and mitigation strategy called covidSHIELD. Rako’s test is the only diagnostically validated COVID-19 PCR saliva test in New Zealand, complete with IANZ accreditation (accreditation No. 987 IGENZ Ltd.).

When COVID-19 first arrived, a test to detect it was needed almost immediately. The nasopharyngeal swab was soon adopted as the gold standard. Pre-COVID-19, saliva had been used to detect other respiratory viruses with success, so a New Zealand researcher at Yale University, Dr Anne Wyllie, who had experience of using saliva to detect other respiratory viruses, used her knowledge to test saliva for SARS-COV-2. What she, and subsequently others found, was that SARS-COV-2 was also present in high titres in saliva, allowing detection of SARS-COV-2 and sometimes before it was even detectable by a nasal swab.

The Rako Science validation study identified that the limit of detection is as low as >1 viral particle per microlitre and demonstrated good performance with positive samples of low viral load. This sensitivity makes it particularly useful for early detection of SARS-CoV-2 for pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic patients before the onset of infectiousness. An infectious person has about 1000 viral copies of SARS-CoV-2 per microlitre of saliva, equivalent to one thousandth of a millilitre. Our test can measure one copy in this volume. It is as sensitive as the standard nasopharyngeal test. We found this test is sensitive enough to measure asymptomatic people well before they become infectious.

Health and safety standard operating procedures are in place for infection control and are reviewed regularly by our science team. Hand sanitisation points are provided for both staff and clients, and appropriate PPE gear is worn by all our staff. Our collection sites are frequently cleaned and sanitised. Everyone who enters a collection site is encouraged to use the NZ COVID Tracer App.

Rako Science collection sites are designed to make providing a sample quick and easy. After check-in, where identity is confirmed, clients are provided with a teaspoon to drool into and produce 1.5ml of saliva to tip into a plastic tube. It is a quick, simple, painless process and after hand sanitisation, you are free to go.

Rako Science have locations in Auckland and Hamilton. Appointments can be booked online here

COVID-19 is a notifiable disease. If a positive result is confirmed in the laboratory, Rako Science will immediately advise the Regional Medical Officer of Health and your GP (when known) to ensure you get the health support you require as soon as possible.

Until COVID-19 ceases to disrupt our lifestyles, our travel and our business operations, testing will be needed across New Zealand. Rako Science has been testing workplaces since January 2021 to prevent people from spreading COVID-19 in the workplace. We also recognise there is a need for international passengers departing New Zealand and are proud to provide Kiwis with PCR Travel Certificates.

Your sample provided will not be used for any purpose beyond identifying COVID-19, and Rako Science’s laboratory procedure is not set-up to identify any other illness or substance. We store all COVID-19 saliva samples, as required by law, for seven days before they are permanently destroyed. If your COVID-19 saliva-test result is positive the sample will be controlled by the Regional Medical Officer of Health and you have all rights of privacy that the New Zealand health system provides. View our privacy policy.

On arrival at the lab, each saliva sample is scanned in to maintain a secure chain of custody. Then a small amount of the saliva sample is processed by robots and transferred to a RT-qPCR machine which identifies whether the virus is present or not. We store all COVID-19 saliva samples, as required by law, for seven days before they are permanently destroyed.

Clients cannot eat, use tobacco products, vape, brush their teeth, chew gum, use mouth wash or drink anything other than water in the 60 minutes before providing a sample. Being well-hydrated makes it easier to provide a saliva sample, but no water should be ingested in the 30 minutes immediately prior to your test. Not following these guidelines will cause contaminents in your saliva, which mean our laboratory can’t process your test.

Rako Science has collected samples from children as young as 18 months old. Please contact us to learn about how we can assist testing children in your care.

The international organisation providing Rako Science with assays for our laboratory have confirmed that our reagents are effective against the new, more infectious strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Providing a saliva sample at any of our locations can take as little as 5 minutes. We recomend allowing 15-30 minutes for your appointment.

At all Rako Science collection sites you will be greeted by our friendly staff wearing PPE. Before your test, our staff will explain our test procedure to you and answer any questions you may have.

All clients must follow the guidelines received via email prior to their tests. Clients cannot eat, use tobacco products, vape, brush their teeth, chew gum, use mouth wash or drink anything other than water in the 60 minutes before providing a sample. Being well-hydrated makes it easier to provide a saliva sample, but no water should be ingested in the 30 minutes immediately prior to your test. Not following these guidelines will cause contaminents in your saliva, which mean our laboratory can’t process your test. If your appointment is for a pre-departure PCR Travel Certificate, be sure to bring the passport you are travelling on to your appointment too.

We are here to help. Some of our clients require assistance accessing our collection sites or providing a saliva sample, and our friendly team are trained to take your lead on what support they provide to you. If you would like to notify us in advance of any additional support you will require, please contact us on info@rakoscience.com.

The Rako Science saliva test is non-invasive, painless and suitable for young children and those with special needs.

The Rako Science test is at least as accurate as a nasopharyngeal test. Our test is a PCR test which uses a nucleic acid amplification technique. In technical terms, our test is referred to as an RT-qPCR test.

Rako Science is currently providing COVID-19 surveillance testing to national service providers and manufacturers, multiple major international film production companies and a wide range of small to medium sized businesses. We are also proud suppliers to the New Zealand Olympic Team for pre-departure COVID-19 testing.

Unfortunately, Rako Science saliva testing is not funded for the public by Ministry of Health. We are currently providing our services privately to pre-departure passengers, (international and domestic), private hospital patients, employers and other organisations requiring COVID-19 testing.

COVID-19 can be detectable by PCR for at least 3 months post infection. This happens with both nasopharyngeal and saliva tests. Some people may not test positive within the 3 months, while others might. If you do still test positive you may still be able to fly - please contact your GP to provide a Fit To Fly certificate which will state that you have previously had COVID-19 but are now asymptomatic and are assessed as fit to fly. You need to obtain this certificate AFTER the receipt of a POSITIVE COVID-19 test result and NOT before.

It is a blood test to detect the presence or absence of antibodies using the PictArray™ SARS-CoV-2 assay.

The Saliva Test detects the presence or absence of COVID-19 virus. The Antibody test detects the presence or absence of antibodies to COVID-19. Antibodies are proteins made by your body’s immune system to help fight off infections, including those caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

This test will detect the presence or absence of spike and nucleocapsid proteins. Nucleocapsid and spike are viral structural proteins. The nucleocapsid helps organise viral RNA while the spike protein mediates viral entry into human cells. Antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 viral spike protein have been shown to have neutralizing effects.1-3 Current vaccines were designed to elicit antibodies to the spike protein. Spike (S): Antibodies to the spike protein are produced after vaccination or infection. Nucleocapsid (N): Antibodies to the nucleocapsid protein identify individuals who have had a recent or prior COVID-19 infection.

Health and safety standard operating procedures are in place for infection control and are reviewed regularly by our science team. Hand sanitisation points are provided for both staff and clients, and appropriate PPE gear is worn by all our staff. Our collection sites are frequently cleaned and sanitised.

As for any blood test, it is recommended that you are well hydrated. Please note : Testing for antibodies induced by vaccination should be performed at least 14 days after the second vaccine dose. Testing for antibodies induced by natural infection should be performed at least 14 days after symptom onset.

Click on the blue “Cancel” link in the appointment confirmation email. This will also trigger a full refund, however it may take up to 15 days for funds to be processed. Refunds are paid to the credit card used to book the appointment. Appointments can only be cancelled up to 4 hours before the appointment time. Any refund for an appointment cancelled within 4 hours of the appointment will be available solely at the discretion of Rako Science.

Rako Science collection sites are designed to make providing a sample quick and easy. After check-in, where identity is confirmed, clients are provided with Tasso collection device. The tests is self- administered but our trained and friendly staff will be on hand to supervise. The test may involve some minor discomfort. Please allow 20-30 minutes for the test.

Antibody tests are no longer available at Rako Science locations.

A “Present” test result indicates IgG antibodies have been detected during screening. An “Absent” test result means no antibodies have been detected. If you receive an “Equivocal” result, we recommend retesting after 14 days.

This antibody test is available for healthcare providers and people who would like to gain the following insights: • Whether I have an immune response to vaccination or if my immunity has diminished over time. • Whether I have been previously infected with COVID-19 and have developed antibodies against the virus. • The test will also help identify at-risk patients who have failed to mount a detectable antibody response despite having been previously vaccinated or infected.

No.

This test is currently only available to adults aged 18 or older.

Please allow 20-30 minutes for the test.

Testing for antibodies induced by vaccination should only be performed at least 14 days after the second vaccine dose. Antibody results in persons collected earlier than 21 days after symptom onset may be Absent due to the kinetics of seroconversion. Specifically, some clients will not have measurable antibody until more than 21 days after symptom onset.

The Tasso Button sticks to the skin with a light adhesive. When the button is pressed, a vacuum forms and a lancet pricks the surface of the skin. The vacuum draws blood out of the capillaries and into a sample pod attached to the bottom of the Tasso Button.

Some people refer to Tasso devices as a needle-free system since it does not use a hollow venipuncture needle to enter a vein.

Participants in clinical studies have reported lower levels of pain with the Tasso device compared to collecting blood with a finger stick or standard venipuncture procedure.

Rako Science provides workplace testing at scale to protect New Zealand workers, businesses and vulnerable communities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Rako Science has been testing in workplaces since January 2021 to the spread of COVID-19 in New Zealand. Rako Science is delivering tailored solutions for some of New Zealand’s biggest organisations in a broad range of industries. Please contact us on info@rakoscience.com to discuss your organisation's needs.

Workplace testing is particularly beneficial to businesses providing essential services, businesses with regular customer contact, and businesses heavily disrupted by lockdowns. Rako Science is currently providing COVID-19 testing to Genesis Energy, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Air New Zealand, Waipareira Trust, multiple major international film production companies and a wide range of small to medium sized businesses. Please contact us on info@rakoscience.com to discuss your organisation's needs.