The Ultimate List of COVID-19 At-Home Collection Kits
While millions of people have already been vaccinated against COVID-19, testing is still vital. At-home collection kits are a welcome development. Here is a list of the best coronavirus tests you can take yourself in the comforts of your home:
DxTerity
If nasal swab testing isn’t your preference, DxTerity is the home kit for you. It is non-invasive as only a tiny amount of saliva is what it needs. Results depend on the time it takes the kit to reach the laboratory.
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $99
Get the results in: 2-3 days after sample receipt
Method of collection: Saliva sample
Testing type: RT-PCR
FDA Authorized: Yes
EverlyWell
For a gentle lower nasal swab, EverlyWell is an excellent option. Once you order and register, you’ll get your kit in 2 to 8 business days. After the lab receives your sample, results will be sent digitally within 24 to 48 hours.
Where to buy: EverlyWell website
Price: $109
Get the results in: 1-2 days after sample receipt
Method of collection: Lower nasal swab
Testing type: RT-PCR
FDA Authorized: Yes
LetsGetChecked
Simple and straightforward, LetsGetChecked uses the gold standard RT-PCR/TMA analysis. This COVID-19 at-home collection kit comes with a free express UPS shipping service. This delivers your sample directly to our laboratory.
Where to buy: LetsGetChecked website
Price: $69
Get the results in: Typically within 24-72 hours
Method of collection: Lower nasal swab
Testing type: RT-PCR
FDA Authorized: Yes
Vitagene
Another non-invasive COVID-19 at-home test kit, Vitagene gets its results from saliva samples. It includes a complimentary priority return mailer to send the kit to the lab for analysis.
Where to buy: Vitagene website
Price: $89
Get the results in: Within 72 hours of sample receipt
Method of collection: Saliva sample
Testing type: RT-PCR
FDA Authorized: Yes
Phosphorus
Another RT-qPCR test, Phosphorus, was one of the first to be granted an Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA. They claim to have a sensitivity of 97.1 percent and a specificity of 98.2 percent.
Where to buy: Phosphorus website
Price: With insurance: $49, without insurance: $119
Get the results in: 2-3 days after sample receipt
Method of collection: Saliva sample
Testing type: RT-PCR
FDA Authorized: Yes
Picture by Fulgent Genetics
After an eligibility test, Picture by Fulgent Genetics will send you an at-home collection kit via FedEx’s 2-day shipping. They have an online portal where you’ll be able to see your digital report.
Where to buy: Picture by Fulgent Genetics website
Price: $119
Get the results in: 2 days after sample receipt
Method of collection: Nasal swab
Testing type: RT-PCR
FDA Authorized: Yes
Pixel by Labcorp
Without asking for an upfront payment, Pixel by Labcorp is one of the most accessible Covid at-home test kits in the market. This COVID-19 at-home collection kit can also be used on kids aged two and up.
Where to buy: Pixel by Labcorp website
Price: $119
Get the results in: 1-2 days after sample receipt
Method of collection: Nasal swab
Testing type: RT-PCR
FDA Authorized: Yes
Ellume
If you need to know the results right away, Ellume is the Covid home test for you. Unlike RT-PCR tests, rapid antigen tests get you the results in minutes instead of days.
Where to buy: Ellume website, selected pharmacies, drugstores, convenience stores
Price: $25
Get the results in: 15 minutes
Method of collection: Nasal swab
Testing type: Rapid antigen
FDA Authorized: Yes
Vault
What makes Vault different from the COVID home test kits mentioned in this list is that they require you to a Zoom call meeting with a testing technician. This assures you of a lesser chance of getting a false-positive result or a false-negative result.
Where to buy: Vault website
Price: $119
Get the results in: 2 days after sample receipt
Method of collection: Saliva sample
Testing type: RT-PCR
FDA Authorized: Yes
BinaxNOW
Similar to Ellume, BinaxNOW gives you the results in just 15 minutes. It comes with two tests, wherein you’ll take the second one a few days after the first.
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: Currently out of stock
Get the results in: 15 minutes
Method of collection: Shallow nasal swab
Testing type: Rapid antigen
FDA Authorized: Yes
empowerDX
If you’re concerned about the Delta variant, empowerDX is the COVID-19 at-home collection kit for you. Affordable and easy to follow instructions. Shipping and return shipping are free.
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $99
Get the results in: 48 hours after sample receipt
Method of collection: Shallow nasal swab
Testing type: RT-PCR
FDA Authorized: Yes
Amazon COVID-19 Test Collection Kit
One of the COVID at-home test kits that offer speedy results, Amazon’s collection kit gives you the results within 24 hours of your sample arriving at their laboratory. Offers free return shipping as well.
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: Currently unavailable
Get the results in: 24 hours after sample receipt
Method of collection: Nasal swab
Testing type: RT-PCR
FDA Authorized: Yes
Final Thoughts
These COVID-19 at-home collection kits have made a huge difference in how we manage the pandemic. We no longer have to go outside to get tested as we can now do it ourselves. They’re easy to do, affordable, and accurate.
