With COVID-19 cases at an all-time high, many people are getting tested now more than ever before. If you're having trouble finding available appointments near you, consider stocking up on at-home tests. The Food and Drug Administration has authorized several at-home COVID-19 tests for emergency use to help you keep tabs on your health status.
The list of FDA-authorized tests includes both rapid tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which are the two types offered at most testing sites. Rapid tests detect protein fragments in the sample that are specific to COVID-19, and they tend to be more accurate when you have symptoms. A PCR test is a type of molecular test that makes copies of the sample to look for the genetic material of the virus that causes COVID-19. These tests are more sensitive to the virus and are often called the "gold standard" of testing.
While at-home versions of both of these tests have sold out at many drug stores, there are still many available online. Here are five FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 tests currently in stock at Amazon:
- iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test, $20
- On/Go At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self-Test, $25 (Originally $40)
- Lucira Check It Single-Use COVID-19 Test, $75 with coupon (Originally $89)
- DxTerity COVID-19 Saliva At-Home Collection Kit With Prepaid Express Return Shipping and Laboratory PCR Testing, $85
- EmpowerDX At-Home COVID-19 Nasal PCR Test, $100
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iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
The iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test comes with two antigen rapid tests that display results in 15 minutes. To administer the test, swab your nose, place the sample in the included solution, and drop the liquid into the testing cartridge where your results will appear. The test is recommended for people aged 15 years and older and requires adult assistance for those between the ages of 2 and 14.
Shop now: $20; amazon.com
On/Go At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self-Test
Another quick at-home testing option, the On/Go At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self-Test also comes with two testing kits. It similarly uses a nasal swab, a testing solution, and a cartridge to display your results in 10 minutes. The brand also has an app that you can download by scanning the QR code on the box. It guides you through the testing process and lets you log your results and share them.
Shop now: $25 (Originally $40); amazon.com
Lucira Check It Single-Use COVID-19 Test
The Lucira Check It Single-Use COVID-19 Test is a molecular test that is 98 percent accurate at detecting the virus regardless of if you have symptoms, according to the brand. It comes with one test that provides results in 30 minutes or less. Like most COVID-19 tests, it involves a nasal swab that you then place in a vial with solution. However, this option includes a battery-operated reader that uses molecular-amplification technology that’s similar to a PCR test.
Shop now: $75 with coupon (Originally $89); amazon.com
DxTerity COVID-19 Saliva At-Home PCR Collection Kit
The DxTerity COVID-19 Saliva At-Home PCR Collection Kit gets you lab results in 48 hours. All you have to do is create an account on the brand’s website or app, register your kit online, collect a saliva sample, and send it out the same day with the included pre-paid FedEx label. After 48 hours, you should see your PCR results online in your account.
Shop now: $85; amazon.com
EmpowerDX At-Home COVID-19 Nasal PCR Test
Another at-home PCR option, the EmpowerDX At-Home COVID-19 Nasal PCR Test also delivers results in 48 hours. This option uses a nasal swab, which you then mail back the same day you take your sample with the included packaging. You should get your results two days later in your account on the brand’s app.
Shop now: $100; amazon.com
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