In my mailbox from AARP this morning.
Comparison of at-home COVID-19 rapid tests
Ellume COVID-19 Home Test
Where/when to find it: Sold over the counter at pharmacies and retail stores. Distribution is slated to start in January.
Type of test: Antigen
Does it require a prescription? No
Cost: About $30
Who can use it: People with or without coronavirus symptoms as young as 2 years old
How long to get results: About 15-20 minutes
You need to know: Sold over the counter and does not require a prescription or COVID symptoms.
BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test
Where/when to find it: Expected to be available in a few states in January, with widespread distribution later in 2021. Order the test through a digital health platform called eMed.
Type of test: Antigen
Does it require a prescription? Yes. If a telehealth rep determines you are eligible, a test will be shipped overnight to your home or you may pick it up locally.
Cost: $25, plus the overnight shipping fee
Who can use it: People age 4 or older suspected by a health care provider of infection within the first 7 days of symptom onset
How long to get results: About 15 minutes
You need to know: A telehealth guide via video call will walk you through the collection process, answer questions and help you understand the results.
Lucira COVID-19 All-In-One-Test Kit
Where/when to find it: Expected to be available in early spring. The test will be delivered to your home after a doctor writes you a prescription for it.
Type of test: Molecular
Does it require a prescription? Yes. The test must be prescribed by a health care provider.
Cost: About $50
Who can use it: People age 14 and older suspected by their health care provider to be infected with the virus
How long to get results: 30 minutes or less
You need to know: The only at-home test that uses molecular technology, which is considered more accurate because it can pick up lower levels of the virus than antigen technology.
