The COVID-19 pandemic is like a roller coaster. One minute we see the light at the end of the tunnel and the next thing we know, more cases are on the rise.
The good news? It’s not 2020 anymore. Instead of waiting on testing center lines for hours on end, people have turned primarily to at-home COVID tests that they can use in the comfort of their own homes.
According to the CDC, COVID-19 self-tests — also known as at-home tests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests — are one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, masking and physical distancing, that protects you and others from the spread of COVID-19, even though it’s no longer mandated in most regions.
While at-home covid tests were nearly impossible to find online or in stores at many points in time over the last few years, many brands have replenished their stock. Ahead, get all the info on how to use at-home COVID-19 tests, how accurate they are and where you can buy them online.
How to use at-home COVID-19 tests
Of course, read the complete manufacturer’s instructions for use before starting the test and make sure you talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about the test or your results. Here are general steps to take a self-test, according to the CDC.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Open the box and follow the instructions included with the self-test to collect your own nasal or saliva specimen. (If you don’t collect the specimens as directed, your test results may be incorrect.)
- Perform the steps in the order that they are listed. Some manufacturers may also provide quick reference guides or instructional videos.
- Collect either a nasal specimen or saliva specimen, depending on the self-test being used.
- Next, wait to see what result comes back. Generally, this takes 15 minutes.
Accuracy of at-home COVID tests
Invalid test results are rare but can occur. Chief Infection Control Officer Roy Chemaly, M.D. at the University of Texas MD Cancer Center said that “the tests are only accurate 80% of the time, and sometimes less.”
Sometimes invalid results or an error can show on the test device. Invalid results or an error can occur for many reasons — your specimen may not have been collected correctly, or the test may have malfunctioned.
Due to the current infection rate of the coronavirus being so high, many professionals suggest retesting with a PCR test if you have symptoms and test negative using an at-home antigen test as it could be a false negative.
A few things to note:
- Select at-home covid tests are FSA and HSA-approved.
- The tests listed in this article go in and out of stock often so make sure to check back regularly if some aren’t available at this given time.
1. BinaxNOW COVID‐19 Antigen Self Test (2-Count)
Get your test results in 15 minutes or less with a simple nasal swab in the comfort and convenience of your home. BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test is available under FDA Emergency Use Authorization.
2. QuickVue At-Home COVID-19 Test
This simple at-home test is authorized for non-prescriptive home use with self-collected direct anterior nasal (NS) swab specimens from individuals aged 14 and older, and with adult-collected anterior NS samples from those 2 years or older.
It’s most effective within six days of symptoms or 24 to 48 hours after suspected exposure.
3. Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test
The FlowFlex Covid-19 Antigen Home Test is selling for as low as $6, an accurate, easy to use and quick-result option to buy online.
This FDA-authorized Antigen test requires only one test to get results in 15 minutes using a nasal swab.
4. On/Go At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self-Test
If you work best with technology, On/Go is the COVID-19 self-test for you. This kit gives you 95% accurate results in just 10 minutes using the companion mobile app, which guides you through each step of the process — from sample collection to results.
5. iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (2-Pack)
This product comes with two rapid antigen tests that are simple to use.
Prepare the testing materials, collect and process the sample, then receive your results in just 15 minutes.
6. InteliSwab™ COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test
This test requires less than one minute of hands-on time. InteliSwab has received FDA Emergency Use Authorization for self-testing. You do not need to ship samples to a lab or get a prescription from your healthcare provider. Get your result in 30 minutes.
7. Ellume COVID-19 Home Test
The Ellume COVID-19 test requires you to download the Ellume COVID Test App to your smartphone. Next, answer a few questions and watch the informational video. After that, you’ll be all set to perform the easy-to-use test and receive results in 15 minutes.
8. Celltrion DiaTrust COVID-19 Ag Home Test
Celltrion DiaTrust COVID-19 Ag Home Test is an FDA EUA-authorized COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home testing kit. Self-test in the comfort of your own home, and get the relief you need in just 15 minutes.
Each kit contains supplies for two tests: swabs, test devices, test tubes (extraction buffer), filter caps, and an Instructions for Use manual. Test tubes and filter caps for two tests are enclosed in one inner package.
9. Pixel by LabCorp COVID-19 Test, varies by insurance
If you want a test that’s even more reliable but you don’t want to leave the comfort of your home, an at-home PCR test is the way to go. The Pixel by LabCorp kit is a great option that gets you results within 1-2 business days (on average) after receiving your nasal swap sample via FedEx.
10. BOSON Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test (2-Test Pack)
The BOSON Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test (2-Test Pack) is an easy-to-use at-home test where you’ll receive results in 15 minutes. Each kit contains two tests and is recommended for ages 14 and up. More, you’ll enjoy its convenience and ability to skip the lab.
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