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, there are reports of a brand new variant.
Over the last two and half years, your visits to local urgent cares have likely quadrupled, but to stay safe, consistent testing (when presented with any symptoms) is, unfortunately, a reality we’re probably dealing with for the foreseeable future.
The good news? You have options. Instead of waiting on testing center lines for hours on end, people are turning 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.
It’s important to note that while many establishments in New York and New Jersey have lifted the mask mandate, it’s still highly recommended to wear a protective face covering (like a KF94 mask) in certain locales, including museums, highly-crowded areas and public transportation.
While at-home covid tests were nearly impossible to find online or in stores when the Omicron variant hit in December 2021, 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.
With Christmas 2022 just around the corner, we want to make sure you’re as prepared and safe as possible.
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:
- According to CMS, you can obtain up to eight tests from the pharmacy with no out-of-pocket costs if you’re apart of the Medicare Advantage plan. Every eligible member, including your spouse and dependents enrolled through your plan, may obtain up to eight tests every calendar month.
- 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.
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.
Make sure to check these links every so often, as the BinaxNOW tests have been going in and out of stock pretty regularly.
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 when used within six days of symptoms, or 24 to 48 hours after suspected exposure.
The FlowFlex Covid-19 Antigen Home Test is currently on sale for just $6 at WellBefore and $10 on other select websites.
This FDA authorized Antigen test requires only one test to get results in 15 minutes using a nasal swab.
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.
This product comes with two rapid antigen tests that are simple to use.
Prepare the testings materials, collect and process the sample, then receive your results in just 15 minutes.
6. InteliSwab™ COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test, $17, original price: $20
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.
The Ellume COVID-19 test requires you to download the Ellume COVID Test App to your smartphone. Next, simply 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, $14, original price: $20
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.
The BD Veritor At-Home COVID-19 Test Kit gives a simple negative or positive test result in just 15 minutes, using words not lines; automatically saves results in the free Scanwell Health app.
10. Pixel by LabCorp COVID-19 Test, varies by insurance
If you want a test that’s even more reliable but 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 get’s you results within 1-2 business days (on average) after receiving your nasal swap sample via FedEx.
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