COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, the pandemic that is sweeping our world, is a devastating disease that has scientists and the entire medical profession baffled. But clarity is available on a personal level.
There are home COVID testing kits and labs that can help you determine if you have been infected with the coronavirus and whether you have the antibodies needed to fight the infection.
Below is a price and feature comparison of the best FDA-approved coronavirus testing kits on the market.
The Best COVID-19 Test Kits – An In-Depth Look
- $119
- Active Infection (PCR)
- 24-72 Hours
LetsGetChecked offers convenient and easy-to-use COVID-19 PCR tests for active infections. The $119 price includes a next-day UPS return envelope for added convenience, and the instructions are clear and concise. The online assessment process is also very easy to follow.
While there are no rush prices, results are usually ready within 24-72 hours, so you can expect fast results. The nursing team is available to call if you need help understanding your results, and the website has a pretty comprehensive FAQ section. Overall, LetsGetChecked offers a simple and effective process for self-testing for coronavirus at an affordable price.
Pros
- Non-invasive nasal swab
- Online results in as little as 24 hours
- Includes official lab report
Cons - PCR only (active infection).
- Not covered by all insurers (accepted by FSA/HSA)
- $129
- Antibodies
- 5-7 days
Health testing centers offer a quick and affordable COVID-19 antibody test.
Results are available via a secure online portal within 5-7 days. If you have any questions about your results, you can get help from the Health Testing Centers professional care team.
Pros
- Consult with a local lab
- Results are completely confidential
- Affordable
Cons - Results take 5-7 days
- Health insurance not accepted
- $150
- Active infection
- 3-4 days
myLAB offers an easy-to-use at-home COVID-19 test kit. Simply collect a saliva sample using the provided kit and send the completed kit to the lab for processing. If the result is positive, myLAB has doctors who can follow up over the phone.
It’s important to note that the myLAB package includes next-day delivery to your home and vice versa. This means you can receive your results within 3 days of ordering.
Pros
- Next-day delivery included
- Uses a saliva sample
- Consult a doctor over the phone
Cons - A bit pricey
- Does not accept health insurance
- $97 plus shipping
- Antibodies
- 15 minutes
The Instant COVID test offers a COVID-19 antibody test. You can take the test at home and get your results in just 15 minutes.
The Instant COVID test is unique in that each test includes a free telemedicine video.
- Discounts on multiple test packages
- Includes telemedicine consultation.
- Results in 15 minutes
Cons - Cost
- Additional shipping costs.
COVID-19 Home Testing Explained
What Types of COVID Home Test Kit Are There?
There are several types of COVID tests, which fall into two main categories: antibody tests and antigen tests. A COVID antibody test is a simple blood test. It will tell you whether you have been exposed to the coronavirus and whether your body has developed the antibodies needed to fight it.
COVID-19 antibody test kits detect immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. If you have been exposed to COVID, your body will produce IgG antibodies, which will show up in your blood test.
There are currently no at-home tests available to detect antibodies to COVID-19.
An antibody test is not the same as a COVID antigen test. The latter is designed to test for the disease itself. It checks whether you currently have an active infection.
What Types of COVID Home Test Kit Are There?
At-home COVID tests are currently available to detect COVID antigen. This is extremely helpful for several reasons. First, it means you don’t have to go to a lab, testing center, hospital, or doctor’s office. If you’re already feeling unwell, it’s definitely more convenient and comfortable for you to stay home and get tested.
Here’s how at-home COVID test kits work.
1. Go online and order your kit.
Most FDA-approved services will require you to take a screening test to determine your risk of infection.
2. The kit will be delivered to your home.
This is usually done by express mail. To get it, log in to your online account and enter your package tracking number.
3. Collect your sample.
The method for collecting the sample varies depending on the testing service you use. Most at-home COVID tests require a nasal swab.
4. Return your sample and wait for the results.
If you choose a mail-in COVID test kit, make sure you get one that includes a return envelope for your sample. Most offer free return shipping via USPS or expedited service. Your results will be posted to your online account, and you will receive an email notification when they are available.
5. If your results are positive, you will receive instructions on what to do to protect your health and the health of those around you.
Most testing services offer health support services if you test positive. This may include scheduling a call with a nurse or doctor, video consultation about your results, guidance on self-isolation and social distancing, and other helpful medical advice.
What Types of COVID Home Test Kit Are There?
At-home COVID-19 test results typically take up to 72 hours.
If you’re concerned about the coronavirus, you can search Google for “same-day COVID testing near me” to quickly find a lab. Relying on unrelated labs can lead to false positives or negatives.
COVID Home Test & Center Pricing
COVID-19 antibody test kits typically cost between $120 and $150, as do COVID-19 antibody tests.
Qualifications for Proper Testing Results
COVID-19 blood tests require certification to ensure the accuracy of the results.
Taking Control of COVID
If you have had any of the common symptoms of COVID, such as fever, loss of smell/taste, dry cough, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, weakness or listlessness, or diarrhea or vomiting, order your own COVID test by mail and contact your family doctor or local hospital to discuss whether and how you should be tested.
