COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, the pandemic that is shaking our world to its foundations, is a devastating disease that confounds scientists and the entire medical profession. But simplicity is available on a personal level.
There are home COVID test kits and lab centers that can help you find out if you have been infected with the coronavirus and have the antibodies needed to fight the infection.
Below is 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 active infectious disease COVID-19 PCR testing that is convenient and simple. The $119 price includes a next-day UPS return envelope for added convenience, and the instructions are clear and precise. The online screening process is also very simple to follow.
While there is no rush pricing, results are usually ready within 24-72 hours, so you can expect a quick turnaround. The nursing team is available to call if you need help understanding the results, and the website has a fairly comprehensive FAQ section. Overall, LetsGetChecked offers a streamlined and straightforward process for self-administered Coronavirus testing at a reasonable cost.
Pros
- Non-invasive lower nasal swab
- Online results in just 24 hours
- Includes official lab report
Cons - Only PCR (active infection).
- Not covered by all insurers (FSA/HSA accepted)
- $129
- Antibody
- 5-7 days
Health testing centers offer a quick and inexpensive COVID-19 antibody test.
Results are available through a secure online portal within 5 to 7 days. If you have questions about your results, you can get help from the professional care team at Health Testing Centers.
Pros
- Check with a local lab
- Results are completely private
- Affordable
Cons - The result lasts 5-7 days
- Does not accept health insurance for
- $150
- Active infection
- 3-4 days
myLAB offers an easy-to-use home testing kit for COVID-19. Simply collect a saliva sample using the equipment provided and send the entire package to the lab for processing. If you test positive, myLAB has doctors available for follow-up by phone.
Importantly, the myLAB package comes with overnight delivery to your home and from your home to the lab. That means you can get results within 3 days of ordering.
Pros
- Overnight shipping included
- Uses a saliva sample
- Consult a doctor over the phone
Cons - Somewhat expensive
- Does not accept health insurance
- $97 plus shipping
- Antibody
- 15 minutes
Instant COVID Test offers an antibody test for COVID-19. You can take your test at home and get results in just 15 minutes.
What makes Instant COVID Test stand out is that each test comes with a free telehealth video
- Discounts for multiple trial packages
- Includes telehealth consultation.
- 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 that fall into 2 main categories. There is an antibody test and a COVID antigen test. The COVID antibody test is a simple blood test. It will tell you if you have been exposed to the coronavirus and if your body has developed the antibodies it needs to fight off this invader.
The COVID-19 antibody test kits test for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. If you have been exposed to COVID, your body will produce IgG antibodies that will show up in your blood test.
Currently, there are no home tests to detect antibodies to COVID-19.
An antibody test is not the same as a COVID antigen test. The second type of COVID test is for the actual disease. Check if you currently have an active infection.
What Types of COVID Home Test Kit Are There?
There are currently home COVID tests to detect the COVID antigen. This is extremely 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 are no longer well, it will definitely be more convenient and comfortable for you to stay at home to take the test.
Here's how the 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.Do this by logging into your online account and entering the package registration number.
3. Take your sample.
How the sample is collected varies depending on the testing service you use. Most home COVID test kits require a nasal swab.
4. Return your sample and wait for the results.
If you choose a mail-in COVID test kit, be sure to get one that includes a return envelope for your sample. Most of them offer free return shipping via USPS or expedited service. The results will be posted to your online account and you will receive an email notification that the results are available.
5. If your results are positive, you will be given instructions on what to do to ensure the health of you and those around you.
Most testing services will provide health support services if the result is positive. This may include arranging a call with a nurse or doctor, video consultation about results, guidance on self-isolation and distancing and other helpful medical advice.
How Long Do COVID-19 Test Results Take?
Results from home COVID tests usually take up to 72 hours.
If you're worried about the coronavirus, you might be tempted to Google “same day COVID testing near me” to quickly find a lab.Relying on unrelated laboratories can lead to false positive or negative results.
COVID Home Test & Center Pricing
COVID-19 antibody test kits typically cost $120 to $150, as do the COVID-19 antigen tests.
Qualifications for Proper Testing Results
Blood tests for COVID-19 require certification to be confident in accurate test results.
Taking Control of COVID
If you have experienced any of the common symptoms of COVID, including fever, loss of smell/taste, dry cough, slurred speech, shortness of breath, weakness or lethargy, and/or diarrhea or vomiting, order your own mail-in COVID test . and get in touch with your primary care doctor or local hospital to discuss if and how you should be tested.