COVID-19: Tips for In-Person and At-Home Testing

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.”

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.