What You Need to Know About New at-Home COVID Tests
In recent months, the FDA has authorized several over-the-counter COVID tests, so you don’t have to go to a testing center to find out if you have coronavirus. Starting this week, you can take an antigen self-test at Walgreens, Walmart, or CVS .
What is an antigen test?
This is not a PCRA test, which is considered the most accurate test for a current infection. And this is not an antibody test that can tell you if you have COVID at some point in the past.
Instead, he tests for a protein from the coronavirus. The BinaxNOW brand, which hits retailers this week, is priced at $ 23.99 for a two-test pack; you must use both of them within a few days.
Several other brands are set to launch soon , including the Ellume COVID-19 home test and Quidel QuickVue . All promises are reached in about 15 minutes. CVS says Ellume will cost $ 38.99 and only requires one test.
Could this replace a pre-trip test?
No, since you need documented results, but there are on-house tests that can provide documentation. For example, BinaxNOW also performs a test that you can do at home , but with a service provider who walks you through the process during a video call. It costs $ 150 for six packs, or $ 25 for a test. Labcorp runs a PCR test in which you can take a sample yourself at home and send the swab to a laboratory for results. It’s $ 119 out of pocket, but if you’re eligible, the company can bill your insurance or use federal funding to make it free for you.