COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, the pandemic that has shaken our world to its core, is a devastating disease that has baffled scientists and the entire medical profession. But simplicity is within everyone’s reach.
COVID-19 test kits are available for home use and clinical testing centers that can help you determine if you’ve been infected with the coronavirus and whether you have the antibodies needed to fight off the infection.
Below, you’ll find a price and feature comparison 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 easy PCR testing to detect COVID-19, an active infectious disease. The $119 price includes a return envelope with expedited shipping via UPS for added convenience, and the instructions are clear and concise. The online assessment process is also very straightforward.
While there are no special prices for rush orders, results are usually ready within 24-72 hours, so you can expect a quick response. A team of nurses is available by phone 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 getting a coronavirus test at home at an affordable price.
Pros
- Non-invasive nasal swab
- Online results in as little as 24 hours
- Includes official lab report
Cons - PCR only (for active infection)
- Not covered by all insurers (FSA/HSA accounts accepted)
- $129
- Antibody test
- 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 center’s professional care team.
Pros
- Consult a local lab
- Results are completely confidential
- Affordable
Cons - Results take 5-7 days
- Does not accept health insurance
- $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 complete kit to the lab for processing. If your test is positive, myLAB has doctors who can follow up by phone.
It’s important to note that the myLAB package includes expedited home delivery and return shipping to the lab. This means you can receive your results within 3 days of ordering.
Pros
- Includes expedited shipping
- Uses saliva sample
- Consults with 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 stands out because each test includes a free telemedicine consultation.
- Discounts on multiple test packages.
- Includes telemedicine consultation.
- Results are available in 15 minutes.
Cons: - High price.
- 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. An antibody test is a simple blood test. It shows 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 be detected in a blood test.
There are currently no at-home tests to detect antibodies to COVID-19.
An antibody test is not the same as an antigen test. The latter detects the disease itself. It checks whether you currently have an active infection.
What Types of COVID Home Test Kit Are There?
Home tests are currently available to detect COVID-19 antibodies. This is very useful 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 not feeling well, it’s definitely more convenient and comfortable to get tested at home.
Here’s how home COVID-19 test kits work.
1. Order your kit online.
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 receive it, log in to your online account and enter the tracking number for your package.
3. Collect your sample.
The method for collecting the sample varies depending on the testing service you use. Most at-home COVID-19 tests require a nasal swab.
4. Send in your sample and wait for the results.
If you choose a mail-in COVID-19 test kit, make sure it 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 sites offer health support services in the event of a positive result. 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’re worried about the coronavirus, you might be tempted to Google “same-day COVID-19 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 testing kits typically cost between $120 and $150, as do antigen tests.
Qualifications for Proper Testing Results
COVID-19 blood tests require certification to ensure accurate results.
Taking Control of COVID
If you have had any of the common symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, loss of smell or taste, dry cough, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, weakness or listlessness, or diarrhea or vomiting, order your COVID-19 test by mail and contact your family doctor or local hospital to discuss whether and how you should be tested.
