In recent months, the FDA has authorized several over-the-counter COVID tests, so you don’t have to go to a test center to find out if you have coronavirus. Starting this week, you can get an antigen self-test at Walgreens, Walmart or CVS.
What is an antigen test?
This is not a PCR test, which is considered the most accurate way to test for a current infection. And it’s not an antibody test that can tell you if you’ve had COVID at some point in the past.
Instead, it tests for the presence of a coronavirus protein. The BinaxNOW brand that will be on retail shelves this week costs $ 23.99 for a two-test package; you should use both a few days away.
A few other brands should be available soon, including Ellume COVID-19 home test and Quidel QuickVue. All promises result in about 15 minutes. CVS says Ellume will cost $ 38.99 and requires only one test.
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Can it take the place of a test before the trip?
No, because you need documentation of the results, but there are home tests that can provide documentation. For example, it also makes BinaxNOW a test you can do at home, but with a provider going through the process during a video call. It costs $ 150 for a six pack or $ 25 per test. Labcorp does a PCR test where you can take the sample yourself at home and send the swab to the lab for results. It costs $ 119 out of pocket, but if you meet certain requirements, the company may bill you for insurance or use federal funds to make it free.