The FDA has authorized several over-the-counter COVID tests in recent months, so you don’t have to go to a testing center to find out if you have the coronavirus. That is possible from this week have an antigen self-test performed at Walgreens, Walmart, or CVS.
What is an Antigen Test?
This is not a PCR test, which is considered the most accurate way to test for a current infection. And it’s not an antibody test that can tell you if you’ve ever had COVID.
Instead, it tests for the presence of a coronavirus protein. The BinaxNOW brand that will hit store shelves this week is priced at $ 23.99 for a pack of two tests; you should use them both for a few days apart.
A few other brands should be available soon, including the Ellume COVID-19 home test and the Quidel QuickVue. All promise results in about 15 minutes. CVS says the Ellume costs $ 38.99 and only requires one test.
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Can this replace a test before you travel?
No, since you will need documentation of the results, but there are home tests can provide documentation. BinaxNOW also makes, for example a test you can do at home, but with a provider who walks you through the process during a video call. It costs $ 150 for a six pack or $ 25 per test. Labcorp makes a PCR test where you can take the sample at home yourself and email the cotton swab to their lab for results. This one is $ 119 out of pocket, but if you meet certain requirements, the company can bill your insurance or use federal funding to make it free for you.