Your health insurance may cover the costs of these tests. Several are available OTC, and tests typically take about 15 minutes to get results. Many antigen tests have been authorized for use at point-of-care or at home. But they’re less accurate than molecular tests (more details on accuracy in the next section). These tests tend to be simpler in design and less expensive than molecular tests. Antigen tests look for specific proteins on the surface of the virus. Rapid antigen testsĪntigen tests are the most widely available rapid COVID test. But the cost varied widely across the U.S. The Kaiser Family Foundation found that the median price for self-pay (for example, not billing insurance) is $91. Walgreens charges up to $128.99, and Quest charges $125.

If you’re paying out of pocket, the price may vary by provider. Your health insurance may cover the cost of rapid molecular tests. They deliver results in 30 to 60 minutes. These tests combine the accuracy of PCR testing with the convenience of an at-home antigen test. These tests are more expensive than other types of test kits, but they can be useful. There are now three FDA-approved, at-home COVID test kits designed to bring PCR-like technology completely into the home: Most of these tests provide results in 30 minutes or less. These include several that can also test for other viruses, like those that cause the flu (influenza). Many rapid molecular tests have been authorized for use at point-of-care. This means that the test makes thousands of copies of the virus’s DNA found in a sample from your nose. These tests most often use techniques called RT-PCR (reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction) or isothermal amplification. They were the first type of COVID test to be authorized and widely used. Molecular tests detect the presence of viral genetic material in a sample. Molecular tests are the most accurate type of COVID tests, rapid or not. The FDA has also authorized a rapid COVID breath test, but it’s not widely available yet.

These tests work differently in how they detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID. There are two different types of rapid COVID tests available:

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