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At-home collection kits for COVID-19 PCR tests are processed in the same labs used by medical professionals at doctors’ offices and hospitals. They are just as reliable and effective.
That said, it’s important to follow the instructions given by the test kit provider to ensure the most accurate results.
Everlywell, for instance, notes that samples must be collected and sent back on the same day. The company also lists a number of reasons why the sample may be rejected, including not being properly sealed.
When it comes to the testing method, at-home tests use either saliva or a nasal swab to collect samples. In a 2021 review, studies showed that these are equally accurate methods.
It’s also important to note that the currently available at-home test kits don’t test for antibodies or prior infections. These are all molecular tests and are only used to test for current infections.
PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction. A PCR test for COVID-19 checks for DNA from the virus. With this type of test, you’ll send your sample away to a lab for analysis.
An antigen test, often called a “rapid test,” checks for proteins that are typically inside or on the surface of the virus. Individual antigen tests tend to be more affordable and work within 10 to 30 minutes.
Positive results from both of these types of tests are reliable. Antigen tests have a higher chance that you could test negative but have COVID-19 (a false negative).
If a doctor has not ordered an at-home test for you, you can go to the test provider’s website and order one yourself.
The website will require you to fill out an intake survey, which includes a few questions about your health. The test provider’s own physician will review your answers to determine whether you could potentially be at risk of or if you’re currently showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
Once they determine your eligibility, they’ll issue a test to be sent to you.
Most of the test kits require payment up front, though some offer insurance options or financial assistance.
Depending on which at-home test kit you choose, you will either collect a saliva sample or nasal swab.
Once you’ve collected your sample, you’ll need to ship it back to the test provider as soon as possible, either by mail or at a designated drop-off location. Most test kits include prepaid shipping labels to make the process seamless.
Results typically take a few days and are delivered digitally. Some test providers also offer virtual consultations, either during the collection process or to review the results.
Read more about the types of COVID-19 tests.
When choosing at-home COVID-19 tests, we kept the following in mind:
To select the best, we read various research studies and hundreds of reviews.
Some insurance plans cover the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests. Unless otherwise noted, the prices here reflect out-of-pocket costs.
With so many at-home testing kits available, it can be difficult to choose the right test. When it comes to at-home COVID testing, it really boils down to how quickly you need the results and how much you’re willing to spend.
Pick tests that are approved by the FDA. To determine if a product is FDA-approved, check the FDA’s website.
If your test is positive and you have an underlying medical condition or are an older adult, notify your healthcare professional.
If your symptoms continue to get worse, seek emergency care immediately.
If you test negative and still feel symptoms, you may need to take another test. You could also have an alternative infection that may require a visit to your doctor.
Feeling symptoms. Order a test as soon as you start feeling any COVID-19 symptoms, especially if you don’t want to risk exposing anyone else by getting tested at an in-person site.
If you’re using an antigen test, it may be most effective to test again 12 to 24 hours after your first negative result to confirm your results.
Potential exposure based on an event, activity, or status of another person. If you want a PCR test, keeping an at-home test kit stored is useful for when you need it. If you’re ordering a PCR test for at-home collection, keep in mind that most test providers take a few days to ship the collection kit and at least a couple of days to deliver test results.
Some of the at-home tests on our list require you to answer a few questions about your health to determine your symptoms and what your risk of exposure was. This is to prioritize people who have been exposed or are showing symptoms.
If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, it’s best to seek emergency attention or go to an in-person facility.
At-home COVID-19 tests are generally as accurate as in-person tests.
For people who are vaccinated and have been exposed to COVID-19, the test should be done 3 to 5 days after exposure to be the most accurate.
Even though at-home test kits are processed in the same labs that medical professionals use, there’s no guarantee there won’t be any errors.
It’s important to follow the test provider’s detailed instructions for collection as well as the shipment process to ensure accuracy.
If you receive an error in your at-home test results, the CDC recommends thoroughly reviewing the manufacturer’s instructions, contacting the manufacturer, and consulting with a primary care doctor.
You can order free tests through your local health department. You can also buy tests online or in pharmacies and retail stores.
Most at-home tests require payment up front. Pixel by Labcorp is the only at-home test kit that doesn’t require payment up front.
You can also contact your health insurance to see whether they will reimburse you for the cost of the test. Some test kit providers, like Everlywell, can provide an itemized receipt for insurance reimbursement.
Aside from our roundup of at-home COVID-19 testing options, the FDA is continuously analyzing and authorizing new over-the-counter options.
Part of this urgency stems from emerging coronavirus variants, such as Omicron, as well as attempts to help stop transmission of the virus.
One area of focus from the FDA is the authorization or approval of more reliable rapid tests for point-of-care or home use. This includes tests like BinaxNOW, which can be processed at home without the need to send them back to a lab.
Also, while increased testing is important in containing the spread of the virus, this plan isn’t intended to replace other proven containment measures such as vaccines, booster doses, and masking indoors.
On December 2, 2021, the Biden administration announced plans to require private health insurance companies to reimburse the costs of all at-home COVID-19 test kits.
As of January 15, 2022, health insurance companies are required to reimburse individuals on their health insurance plans for COVID-19 tests or provide free tests to insured individuals.
It’s important to know that at-home testing reimbursement isn’t automatic. As we outlined above with some existing tests, you will need to hold on to your receipts and submit them with a claim to your insurance company to receive money back.
In October 2021, the FDA issued a class I recall for at-home COVID-19 test kits manufactured by Ellume. It was discovered that a manufacturing issue of this nasal swab kit was creating false-positive test results.
While the affected Ellume test kits have been removed from store shelves, the FDA has issued information on how you can tell whether your own Ellume COVID-19 kit is from this batch.
The agency advises that you return the product immediately if it was manufactured between February 24 and August 11, 2021.
Phosphorus was one of the first at-home test providers to receive an EUA from the FDA, and offered results through their RT-qPCR saliva test. It was previously our pick for best saliva test.
As of January 14, 2022, Phosphorous will not process any more samples. The company has discontinued providing COVID-19 testing services to focus fully on gene testing services for preventive healthcare and monitoring other conditions.
Their COVID-19 test kit was $119 without insurance and $49 with insurance.
Previously one of our best picks for a saliva-based at-home test, the Hims & Hers COVID-19 screening test is no longer available as of January 2022.
The test was developed by Rutgers Clinical Genomics Laboratory at RUCDR Infinite Biologics at Rutgers University, and Spectrum Solutions and Accurate Diagnostic Labs.
If you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19, it’s important to get tested.
At-home tests are a safe way to get tested without visiting an in-person site and potentially compromising your own or someone else’s health.
Stay informed with our live updates about the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Also, visit our coronavirus hub for more information on how to prepare, advice on prevention and treatment, and expert recommendations.