COVID-19: Tips for In-Person and At-Home Testing
Things to Consider or Ask About Testing Sites
- What tests does the site administer (e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or molecular, antigen)? Are the tests they’re using authorized by the FDA?
- When will results be communicated to you, and how/from whom will you receive that communication?
- Who can you call with questions or concerns about results?
- What type of personal information will the site ask you to provide?
- Does the site bill insurance or charge any out-of-pocket fees?
- Is there signage indicating that the site is hosted by a legitimate government entity or medical provider?
- Does the site appear to observe the CDC’s recommendations to protect against COVID-19? For instance, do workers maintain a six-foot distance between people and wear masks indoors in areas of substantial or high transmission?
- What do online reviews or searches for the testing site say?
Red Flags:
- The site says they’re offering “free tests” but then asks you to provide your insurance information and/or pay a fee.
- They say they can get you expedited results with an additional payment, but reviews online indicate they don’t return them when they say they will.
- They provide results after you sign up and pay, but before you’ve been tested.
- They don’t appear to be following CDC recommendations to protect against COVID-19 such as social distancing and wearing masks.
Tips:
- Do some research. Go to a testing site your doctor or state/local health department’s website recommends.
- If there is a charge to be tested, pay by credit card. If you're charged for a test you never got the results from or for a product that's not as advertised, contact your credit card company and dispute the charge.
- Check to make sure the tests offered are on the FDA’s lists of authorized COVID-19 antigen and molecular tests.
- Check to see whether the lab used to process your results is Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified.
- Beware of scam pop up testing sites. Run an internet search for the website or company name plus words like “scam,” “complaint,” or “review.”
Tips for At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Things to Consider or Ask About Test Seller or Provider:
- What tests do they have available? Are the tests authorized by the FDA?
- When will results be communicated to you, and how/from whom will you receive that communication? Some tests require using a website or phone-based app to get or submit your results. Others might require you to send in or drop off your sample at another location (e.g., free tests provided by a local library).
- Who can you call with questions or concerns about results?
- What do online reviews or searches for the seller say? Search for the website, company, or seller’s name plus words like “scam,” “complaint,” or “review.”
Red Flags:
- The seller or provider says they’re offering “free tests” but then asks you to pay a fee.
- They say they can get you expedited delivery with an additional payment, but reviews online indicate they don’t arrive when they say they will.
- They provide results after you sign up and pay, but before you’ve been tested.
Tips:
- You can obtain up to four free at-home tests per physical address from the federal government through COVIDtests.gov.
- If you purchase a test, pay by credit card. If you're charged for an order you never got, or for a product that's not as advertised, contact your credit card company and dispute the charge.
- Check to make sure the tests being sold are on the FDA’s lists of authorized COVID-19 antigen and molecular tests.
- Run an internet search for the website or company name plus words like “scam,” “complaint,” or “review.”
- You can also find free testing, including at-home tests, at community-based testing sites like health centers. You can search for a site near you here or at your state/local health department websites.
- If you have private insurance, you can also get at-home tests by either (1) ordering test kits directly from your insurance company or from retailers they partner with; or (2) buying test kits from a pharmacy or other retailer and requesting reimbursement from your insurance.