In recent months, the FDA has authorized several over-the-counter COVID tests so you don’t have to go to a test center to find out if you have the coronavirus. Starting this week, you can do it get an antigen self-test 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 a current infection. And it’s not an antibody test, which can tell you if you had COVID at some point in the past.
Instead, it tests for the presence of a coronavirus protein. The BinaxNOW brand that will appear on retail shelves this week costs $ 23.99 for a two-test package; you are supposed to use them both, a few days apart.
Some other brands should be available soon, including the Home test Ellume COVID-19 and the Quidel QuickVue. All results promise in about 15 minutes. CVS says the Illume will cost $ 38.99 and only requires a test.
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Can you substitute a test before traveling?
No, as you need documentation of the results, but there are tests at home tin provide documentation. For example, BinaxNOW also manufactures a test you can do at home, but with a provider to guide you through the process during a video call. It costs $ 150 for a package of six or $ 25 per test. Labcorp does a PCR test where you can take the sample yourself at home and send the swab to your lab for results. He pays $ 119 out of pocket, but if he meets certain requirements, the company can bill his insurance or use federal funding to make it free.