COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, the pandemic that has shaken our world to its core, is a devastating disease that has scientists and the entire medical community baffled. However, on a personal level, there is a simple solution.
There are COVID-19 test kits for home and lab use that can help you determine whether you have been infected with the coronavirus and whether you have the antibodies needed to fight 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 your convenience, and the instructions are clear and concise. The online assessment process is also very easy to follow.
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 (in case of active infection)
- Not covered by all insurance companies (FSA/HSA accounts accepted).
- $129
- Antibodies
- 5-7 days
Health Testing Centers offer a fast and affordable COVID-19 antibody test.
Results are available via a secure online portal within 5-7 days. If you have 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 are available within 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 with the provided kit and send the completed kit to the lab for processing. If the result is positive, myLAB has clinicians available for phone follow-up.
It’s important to note that the myLAB package includes expedited shipping from your home to the lab and back. This means you can receive your results within 3 days of placing your order.
Pros
- Includes expedited shipping
- Uses a saliva sample
- Consults with 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.
What makes the Instant COVID Test stand out is that each test includes a free video consultation.
- Discounts for multi-test packages
- Includes telemedicine consultations.
- Results in 15 minutes
Cons - Expensive
- 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-19, your body will produce IgG antibodies, which will be detected in your blood test.
There are currently no at-home tests to detect COVID-19 antibodies.
An antibody test is not the same as a COVID-19 antigen test. The latter detects the disease itself. Check to see if 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 may 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 negative results.
COVID Home Test & Center Pricing
COVID-19 antibody testing kits typically cost $120 to $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’ve had any of the common symptoms of COVID, such as fever, loss of smell or taste, dry cough, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, weakness or lethargy, or diarrhea or vomiting, request an at-home COVID test and contact your family doctor or local hospital to discuss whether and how you should get tested.
