At home over the counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostics tests can show if you have an active COVID-19 infection. These tests are FDA authorized for self-testing, without a prescription, and available online or at local stores.
Beginning September 25, every U.S household can place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Request your 4 test kits here.
“I signed up for my own household and requested tests for my son, daughter and my parents. Signing up is quick and easy. Signing up my loved ones so they have a quick way to test for COVID is a great way to be prepared and hopefully prevent unintentional COVID-19 infection spread. Knowledge is power!” ~ Lori Hintz, RN, Quality Improvement Advisor, Great Plains QIN
With home testing, you collect your own sample, perform the test, and read the result yourself without the need to send a sample to a laboratory.
Why Test? When To Test? It is important to find out if you have COVID-19 so you can receive treatment, if needed, as well as to be aware if you are infected and should stay away from others to help reduce the spread of the virus.
Consider testing for COVID-19 in the following situations:
- If you have symptoms (fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea)
- If the first test is negative and you have symptoms, wait forty-eight hours and test again
- Were exposed to someone who has COVID-19, and you do not have symptoms, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before testing. If you test too early, you may have an inaccurate result
- If you are in certain high-risk settings, you may need to test as part of a screening testing program
Consider testing before coming into contact with someone who has a high risk for severe COVID-19, older adults or those that are immunocompromised or have other medical conditions, especially if you are in an area with a medium or high COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level
Tested positive, now what?
Stay at home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first five days. Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home or in public and inform your medical provider.
Guidance: CDC COVID19 Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19
Please note, the kits you receive may have an expired expiration date on the package. Don’t throw them out immediately as many of the tests’ expiration dates have been extended. You can check the Expiration Date column of the List of Authorized At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests to see if the expiration date for your at-home OTC COVID-19 test has been extended and how to find any new expiration dates.
For more information: At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests | FDA