For a lot of us, the holiday season consists of spending time with our loved ones. Increasing the risk of contracting and spreading Covid-19 during the Pandemic means. It's important to get tested regularly, along with getting vaccinations and wearing a face mask, to help prevent this. While there's no shortage of free testing sites across the country, those pressed for time can trade in the long lines for rapid at- home Covid tests, which can provide results in 15 minutes or less.
It's hard to know which one to buy with hundreds of options. We've rounded up a few different options based on FDA authorization and availability to make the search easier. You can stock up on travel essentials over the next few weeks. Some members of our team have used some of the tests. They are authorized to detect Covid-19.
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The photograph is of Abbott.
Walmart, Walgreens, Sam's Club, and Rite Aid all have prices.
Abbot's kit provides results within 15 minutes after you take a sample from your nose. You can use the companion app to self-report your results. Those who test negative will be given a temporary digital pass that they can use as proof of their test result. The company recommends taking a second test over the course of three days, but only if you take the first one within 24 hours. A few members of the team have taken this test. It was relatively easy to use, but we can't verify its accuracy.
Walmart, Walgreens, Simply Medical, and Carewell.
You can take the QuickVue at- home test at any time, you just need to take a sample from your nostrils, swirl it in a tube of solution, and dip it in the test strip. If the result is positive, you will see a blue and pink line on the strip. You will only see a blue line if it's negative. You can take another test within three days with this kit. I found the test easy to administer and understand.
Intrivio Diagnostics.
Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Walgreens, and On/Go.
The kit comes with a connected app that helps guide you through the process. You can collect your sample with the test cassette, extract vial, and cap included in the box. After 10 minutes, you'll be prompted to take a photo of your results, and the app will tell you if you're positive, negative, or invalid.
Express Med, FlowFlex, and Walgreens are included.
FlowFlex is the cheapest test on the list. You will only get one test per box. The FDA doesn't advise you to test again after a few days unless you feel new symptoms coming on, because it is confident in this test. The process is the same as before, but you have to dip your nose in solution and squeeze a few drops onto the test card. Your results will appear after 30 minutes.
Amazon, Wyze, and iHealth are both priced at $12.
The iHealth Covid-19 has a test card and a solution. You can add three drops of solution to the test card after collecting your sample. In 15 minutes, your result will appear on the card and you can download the companion app. If you test negative, you will get access to an iHealth Pass to use as proof.
