Where to buy at-home COVID test kits in 2023

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, the XBB.1.5 variant is sweeping across the U.S., accounting for 40% of cases.

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.

While at-home covid tests were nearly impossible to find online or in stores when the Omicron variant hit in Dec. 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.

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.

1. BinaxNOW COVID‐19 Antigen Self Test (2 Count), $20-24

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 regularly, as the BinaxNOW tests have been going in and out of stock.

2. QuickVue At-Home COVID-19 Test, $24

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, $6-$10

The FlowFlex Covid-19 Antigen Home Test is selling for just $6 at WellBefore and $10 on other websites.

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, $8

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, $18

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, $18,

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, $25

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, $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.

9. BD Veritor At-Home COVID-19 Test Kit, $24

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; it 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 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.

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