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The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the first at-home coronavirus testing kit on April 21, 2020 — a nasal swab kit called the Pixel and sold by LabCorp. According to the agency, LabCorp submitted data that proved the kit was as safe and accurate as a test performed at a hospital, doctor’s office or other testing site — and it’s now available to the general public with no upfront cost.
On December 9, 2020, the Pixel test became the first test to be available over-the-counter without a prescription or referral. This means more people can access at-home testing without an additional administrative step.
No. Though the FDA has authorized the LabCorp at-home coronavirus testing kit, it has not gone through the extensive testing needed for FDA approval.
It is the first at-home coronavirus testing kit to receive an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the agency, so that people can access it during the coronavirus pandemic.
To put this into context, the FDA typically takes anywhere from a few months or years to approve new devices or drugs. But with EUAs, the type of testing the FDA does on the product is decidedly less extensive than the review it conducts for approval. Because of this, products with an EUA are only authorized for use as long as the public health emergency lasts.
As of December 16, 2020, the FSA has authorized a handful of other nasal swab and saliva tests for at-home use.
Yes, the LabCorp kit is available to anyone who may have been exposed to the coronavirus — not just healthcare workers or first responders.
No. But before you can purchase the kit, you’ll need to fill out a quick four-question survey. Your answers are assessed by a healthcare professional, who decides if you qualify to take the test.
If so, you’re directed to complete your purchase — and the checkout process is entirely online in most states.
You can purchase a LabCorp testing kit in every state except:
They aren’t available nationwide due to restrictions on ordering laboratory tests. If you live in one of those states and suspect you have COVID-19, ask your local healthcare provider for your testing options.
LabCorp’s coronavirus test kit costs $119. That price includes:
However, you won’t have to pay for the test up front. Simply provide LabCorp with your health insurance details and they’ll file a claim or use federal funds to cover the upfront cost of the test if you’re uninsured.
Yes, LabCorp will file a claim with your insurer on your behalf or use federal funds to pay for the test if you’re uninsured. Private health insurers are required to cover diagnostic testing for the coronavirus under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Since the kit just launched, there isn’t much consumer chatter online yet. We’ll update this page as more customer reviews become available.
Follow these steps to complete a short eligibility survey to see if you qualify to purchase a kit online:
Kits usually ship via FedEx in one to two business days. Once you receive yours, follow the directions to collect your sample, place it in the specimen bag, and then ship it back to the lab using the prepaid packaging.
For the most accurate results, drop off your sample to FedEx before the last pickup of the day. Depending on where you live, this might be noon, 4.30 p.m. or 5 p.m.
You’ll need to swab your nose, and LabCorp put together a video with step-by-step instructions to walk you through the process.
Here’s the gist:
The swab shouldn’t hurt, but it may feel uncomfortable for a few seconds.
The lab typically releases results within two to four days of receiving your specimen — but that timeframe may vary depending on demand and the severity of your symptoms.
You’ll get an email when your results are ready, and you can log in to Pixel by LabCorp’s portal to access them online. You can also request to talk to a physician about your results at this time.
Follow the steps outlined by the physician. If you’re experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, it’s likely your physician will tell you to self-isolate for at least 14 days and avoid sharing items with other people in your home.
If your condition worsens and you’re having trouble breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
Not necessarily. LabCorp says individual responses to the virus differ, so a negative result may not always be accurate.
If you didn’t package the specimen properly or send it back within the specified time period, this may also affect the results.
Founded in 1969, LabCorp is one of the largest clinical laboratories in the world, and has 36 labs across the US. It creates diagnostic tests for a range of medical conditions, and performs tests on over 2.5 million samples a week.
The Pixel by LabCorp is the first at-home coronavirus testing kit to be authorized by the FDA. It requires you to swab your nose and send the specimen back to the lab for testing within 24 hours.
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