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 also available on a personal level.
There are home COVID test kits and lab testing centers 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 comparison of the prices and features of the best FDA-approved coronavirus test 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 simple COVID-19 PCR testing for active infectious diseases. The $119 price includes a UPS overnight return envelope for convenience, and the instructions are clear and concise. The online screening process is also very easy to follow.
While there are no rush prices, results are usually available within 24-72 hours, so you can expect fast results. The nursing team is ready to help you understand your results, and the website has a comprehensive FAQ section. Overall, LetsGetChecked offers a simple and efficient process for getting your coronavirus self-test at an affordable price.
Pros
- Non-invasive nasal swab
- Online results in as little as 24 hours
- Official lab report included
Cons
- PCR only (active infection).
- Not covered by all insurance companies (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 professional support team at Health Testing Centers.
Pros
- Consult a local lab
- Completely confidential results
- Affordable
Cons
- Results take 5-7 days
- Health insurance not accepted
- $150
- Active infection
- 3-4 days
myLAB offers an easy-to-use home test kit for COVID-19. Simply collect a saliva sample with the provided equipment and send the entire kit to the lab for processing. If the result is positive, myLAB has doctors who can follow up with you over the phone.
Importantly, the myLAB package includes overnight delivery to your home and back. This means you can receive your results within 3 days of your request.
Pros
- Overnight delivery included
- Uses saliva sample
- Consult doctor over the phone
Cons
- A bit pricey
- No health insurance accepted
- $97 plus shipping
- Antibodies
- 15 minutes
Instant COVID Test offers an antibody test for COVID-19. You can take the test at home and get your results in just 15 minutes.
What makes the Instant COVID Test unique is that each test includes a free telemedicine video.
- Discounts on different test packages.
- Includes telemedicine consultation.
- Results in 15 minutes.
Cons:
- Additional fee.
- COVID-19 home tests explained.
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: COVID antibody tests and COVID antibody tests. The 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-19, your body will produce IgG antibodies, which will show up in your blood test.
There are currently no home tests available to detect COVID-19 antibodies.
An antibody test is not the same as a COVID antigen test. The second type of COVID test is for the disease itself. It checks to see if you currently have an active infection.
What Types of COVID Home Test Kit Are There?
There are currently at-home COVID tests 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 no longer feeling well, it’s definitely more convenient and comfortable for you to stay home to 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 overnight mail. To do this, log in to your online account and enter the tracking number on the package.
3. Collect your sample.
The method of sample collection varies depending on the testing service you use. Most at-home COVID tests require a nasal swab.
4. Return your sample and wait for your 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 overnight service. Your results will be posted to your online account, and you will receive an email notifying you when they are available.
5. If your results are positive, you will receive instructions on what to do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
Most testing services offer health support services if your result is 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.
How Long Do COVID-19 Test Results Take?
At-home COVID-19 test results typically take up to 72 hours.
If you are concerned about the coronavirus, you can search Google for “same-day COVID tests near me” to quickly find a lab. Relying on unrelated labs can lead to false positive or negative results.
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 results.
Taking Control of COVID
If you have experienced any of the common symptoms of COVID, such as fever, loss of smell/taste, dry cough, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, weakness or lethargy, or diarrhea or vomiting, please order your own COVID test by mail and contact your family doctor or local hospital to discuss whether and how you should get tested.