COVID-19 Home Tests And Collection Kits

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How to Test at Home

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What to Do If You Feel Sick

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Where to Get At-Home COVID-19 Tests

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I feel sick or was exposed to COVID-19. When should I test?

Take steps now to prevent possible spread, including staying away from others.

If you feel sick or have symptoms: Get tested immediately.

If you were exposed to COVID-19: Get tested at least five full days after your last exposure – even if you don’t develop symptoms.

Need to go to a testing location?

• Most doctor’s offices offer testing on-site. Cost may vary depending on insurance status.
• If you don’t have a provider, check with your local health department or find a community health center near you. Health centers provide care to patients regardless of ability to pay.
• Some retail pharmacies offer testing, such as CVS Health or Walgreens. Check with the pharmacy on cost.

• What if my test was positive?
• What if my test was negative?

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What if my test was positive?

Here’s what you should do if you receive a positive COVID-19 test result:

1. Follow current CDC Respiratory Virus Guidelines.
2. Tell your close contacts that you have COVID-19.
3. Wear a well-fitting mask if you must be around others.

Treatments are available, and research shows they decrease your risk of hospitalization and death — if you get them in time. Don’t wait to see if your symptoms get worse. If you feel sick, even a little, take steps to get treated now. Getting treatment may cost nothing, so there’s no reason to delay.

Note: Seek medical care immediately if you have trouble breathing or experience other warning signs.

What if my test was negative?

While a positive test confirms you have an infection, a negative test only shows that it didn’t detect the virus but does not rule out an infection. So, here’s what you should consider after receiving a negative COVID-19 test result using an at-home test.

If you have symptoms:

• Test again in 48 hours.
• Consider talking with a healthcare provider. You may need to get tested for other respiratory illnesses.
• Follow current CDC Respiratory Virus Guidelines.

If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19:

• Test again in 48 hours.
• If your second test is also negative, test again 48 hours later for a total of three tests.

Resume regular activities if:

• You were tested for another reason, like workplace screening.
• You do not have known or suspected contact with someone who has COVID-19.
• You have no symptoms.

More resources

Download and share our testing guidance flyer

• Prevention actions
• Knowing when to test
• Choosing the right test

More languages: Spanish

More testing flyers to download and share

Still have questions about testing? Visit the CDC’s website for the latest information.