Health and Safety FAQs

Where can I find all the details of AACC's COVID-19 health and safety plan?

View the full plan here.

When you say that attendees have to take a COVID-19 test within 3 days of arriving at the convention center, what does this mean?

This means that the sample for your COVID-19 test must be collected no more than 3 days before your first day at the convention center.

For example:

For someone who will be at the convention center on Sunday, September 26, you would need to have the sample for your negative test taken no earlier than Thursday, September 23, 2021.

Is rapid testing acceptable?

  • Any PCR or antigen test is acceptable so long as it’s approved by the FDA or the equivalent agency in your home country.
  • Results from at-home testing kits are acceptable, but attendees should be aware that these results may not be accepted by airlines, etc.
  • To show a negative COVID-19 test result from your at-home test, simply take a picture with your smartphone. Your smartphone will capture the date and time that you take the picture. You will then show this picture the first time you enter the Georgia World Congress Center.

Where can I get a test in Atlanta?

How will onsite COVID-19 testing work at the meeting?

There will be an onsite mobile testing unit outside Building C of the Georgia World Congress Center main doors, where the shuttle routes drop off passengers.

  • Tests will be distributed on a first come, first served basis – no appointments necessary.
  • Results are full PCR and international travel approved.
  • Tests detect the Delta variant.
  • You can either pick up a collection kit and return it at a later time, or collect your nasal sample at the mobile testing unit.
  • Once you collect your sample, you’ll be given a QR code. Scan the QR code and complete profile information as directed. Results will then be texted to you in 30-45 minutes from sample collection.

Will retesting be required once I am at the meeting for several days?

No, it is not required.

However, if you wish to retest yourself for personal reasons, AACC will be distributing a limited number of at-home COVID-19 test kits from Quidel at the Clinical Lab Expo (more info below).

How can I present my negative test results?

We will accept your test results in hardcopy or digital format onsite at the convention center at the Entry Requirements Help Desk.

How can I present my vaccination documentation?

We’re providing a free app (CLEAR Health Pass) that will expedite your process. You can upload your vaccination documentation through the app prior to arriving in Atlanta.

Download the CLEAR app at https://clear.app.link/aacc, then select Health Pass and use confirmation code AACC21 to finish setting it up.

View instructions on using the app here.

We will also accept vaccination documentation in hardcopy or digital format onsite at the convention center at the Entry Requirements Help Desk.

Will waivers of the vaccination requirement be available for medical reasons?

  • Yes. Documentation must be provided onsite at the Entry Requirements Help Desk demonstrating any medical reason that prevents an individual from being vaccinated.
  • A negative COVID-19 test will still be required.

What is acceptable as a mask?

  • Your mask must fit snugly across your nose and under your chin.
  • If cloth, it must be at least two layers.

Will I be able to get at-home COVID-19 test kits at the AACC Clinical Lab Expo?

Yes. We will distribute 2,000 QuickVue At-Home COVID-19 test kits (provided by Quidel) at the AACC Booth (#1941) on the Clinical Lab Expo show floor.

There will be 2 tests in each giveaway kit.

How do these at-home COVID-19 test kits work?

The QuickVue At-Home COVID-19 test kit is intended to be used twice over 2 to 3 days, with at least 24 hours and no more than 36 hours between tests.

It is authorized for home use with gentle, self-collected anterior nasal (nares) swab samples to determine a positive or negative COVID-19 result.

The swab is swirled in a tube of reagent solution, then removed, before a test strip is inserted into the same solution. After 10 minutes, you can take the strip out of the tube and see your results.

An infographic showing how to use the at-home COVID-19 test kits that will be provided at the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting.