COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kits

Programs that provide kits which allow prescreened individuals to collect a test sample at home to avoid an in-person visit to a COVID test site. Pre-screening is done using an online questionnaire that is reviewed by a health care provider. The individual then uses the enclosed nasal and/or throat swab, packs the sample(s) up and ships them to the designated laboratory for analysis. (Some kits may instead require a blood sample collected by finger pricking, or other approved methods of sampling.) Results are generally available online within 24-48 hours. If the test shows positive results, the program may offer a telehealth consult to guide the individual through any next steps. The test is recommended for individuals age 18 and older who have been in close contact with someone who has become ill, or who may have been exposed to COVID-19 by living, working or gathering in close proximity to others. The test is also recommended for people who show symptoms of the virus (elevated temperature, flu-like symptoms, loss of taste or smell, worsening cough or sore throat, or shortness of breath). The tests are not intended to be a substitute for those seeking or needing professional diagnosis, treatment or medical advice, and may or may not be authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.