You Can Now Get a Home Based COVID-19 Test

We've come a long way in just about a year when it pertains to the coronavirus. Those days of not knowing where to go to get a test are over, and now you can do your own COVID-19 test in the comfort of your own home.

Last Wednesday, the Walgreens pharmacy chain announced it would be making rapid COVID-19 test available through their digital health platforms.

According to newstimes.com, the rapid test is saliva based and can be taken right in your home. You will have to log on to walgreens.com to purchase your test and they are a little costly at $119 a kit.

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Walgreens joins Walmart and Costco as the local retailers who have these test kits available.

Dr. Frank Illuzzi, the Medical Director of Hartford HedalthCare Fairfield County Medical Group says these tests have already been used by a number of organizations.

Colleges, the film industry, sports leagues and other organizations have also used the method for a while. Widespread screening and testing for SARS-CoV2 is an essential part of identifying COVID-19 disease in the community and isolating infected patients to prevent spread. Unlike the initial phases of the pandemic last spring, there are now many testing opportunities available, the saliva test is one of these. This could be an option for folks who have difficulty getting to a testing site, or are squeamish about the nasal swab.

Once your kit arrives, you'll need to register your test online, use the vial included to put in a saliva sample, then drop off the entire kit at a FedEx location. A pre-paid priority overnight shipping package is provided with the kit. Once the test is received at the lab, results are usually available within 24 to 48 hours and can be seen through a secure online portal.

By the way, this test has been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under an emergency use authorization.