Can I test for COVID-19 at home?
A growing number of home-testing options are now available. All of the following are molecular diagnostic tests, which detect the presence of viral genetic material, indicating infection with the COVID-19. There are only two options for children older than 4 years old, Vault Health and Picture by Fulgent Genetics. Only one, Pixel by LabCorp, will bill your insurance with no upfront payment, or the government for uninsured patients. The rest require payment, between $109 and $155, and leave you to go about reimbursement from your insurance company. They all prioritize testing for those experiencing symptoms, who may have been exposed, or are in a high risk population. Most provide instructions for easy self collection, a few require collection during video observation and coaching. Most require the sample collection to be done on the same day as return shipping, and exclude Saturday returns. Results are generally provided via online Portal, with counseling available from a healthcare provider for positive results. All claim 98% or higher sensitivity and specificity. The last 3 tests are listed for the sake of inclusion.
Pixel by LabCorp ($119 or $0 with insurance), 18+ yrs
How: self collected superficial nostril swab
Shipping: FedEx overnight each way (incl. option for FedEx return pickup from your doorstep)
Results: 24-48 hrs after receipt at lab
Vault ($150, HSA/FSA ok), 4+ yrs
How: saliva sample supervised during a Zoom video session
Shipping: overnight to patient, requires drop off for return overnight shipping to lab
Results: 48-72 hrs after receipt at lab
Picture by Fulgent Genetics ($119 ), 4+ yrs
How: nasal swab
Shipping: order before 3pm PST: FedEx 2 day (pay extra for overnight), drop off for prepaid FedEx overnight return shipping
Results: 48 hrs after receipt at lab
Everlywell ($109, HSA/FSA ok), 18+ yrs
How: superficial nostril swab
Shipping: 2-3 days (pay extra for overnight), drop off prepaid at UPS drop box
Results: 24-72 hrs after receipt at lab
LetsGet Checked ($119, HSA/FSA ok), 18+ yrs
How: superficial nostril swab
Shipping: UPS 1-2 day to patient, drop off at UPS drop box for prepaid Next Day Air
Results: 24-72 hrs after receipt at lab
Vitagene ($117, HSA/FSA ok), 18+ yrs
How: self-collected (unsupervised) saliva sample
Shipping: FedEx 1-3 days to patient, FedEx Express overnight return
Results: within 72 hrs after receipt at lab
P23 Labs ($142), 18+ yrs
How: self-collected (unsupervised) saliva sample
Shipping: 2-3 days to patient, return unspecified but pay $100 extra for overnight return
Results: within 72 hrs after receipt at lab
hims&hers ($150), 18+ yrs
How: requires online consult before kit is shipped, self-collected (unsupervised) saliva sample
Shipping: FedEx Express both ways
Results: 3-5 days after shipping to lab
Phosphorus ($140, HSA/FSA ok), 18+ yrs
How: requires online consult before kit is shipped, self-collected (unsupervised) saliva sample
Shipping: FedEx both ways (incl. option for FedEx return pickup from your doorstep), only ship Sun-Thurs
Results: within 72 hrs after receipt at lab
Sky Pittson, MD, January 15, 2020