Over-the-counter COVID-19 testing now available at CVS Pharmacy (2024)

Retailer expands access to convenient, at-home testing options with new-to-market, home tests available in stores and online

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health (NYSE: CVS), today announced the availability of three over-the-counter COVID-19 testing options in stores and online.

The tests include the Ellume COVID-19 Home Test, the Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test and the Pixel by Labcorp PCR Test Home Collection Kit. All three tests have received FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), do not require a prescription, and are intended for use by individuals with or without symptoms. These options provide customers with access to convenient testing that can be conducted at home and complement CVS Health's commitment to providing consumers with access to comprehensive COVID-19 testing services.

"Access to testing continues to be an important part of the nation's pandemic response. Making OTC COVID-19 tests available to our customers helps remove barriers by providing convenient options for testing," said George Coleman, Senior Vice President and Chief Merchant, CVS Pharmacy. "CVS Health has been a leader in providing accessible testing in communities nationwide, and we continue to bring new solutions to market to ensure that consumers have a variety of COVID-19 testing options available to them."

The three testing options now available at CVS include:

  • Ellume COVID-19 Home Test Kit $38.99The Ellume COVID-19 Home Test has not been FDA cleared or approved; but has been authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization. This product has been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens, and is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circ*mstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.: The first rapid, fully at-home test to receive Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA for at-home use without a prescription. The test delivers results in 15 minutes through a free app downloaded to a smartphone, without the need for a second test. CVS Pharmacy is the first retailer to carry the Ellume Home Test Kit. It will be in select locations in RI and MA the week of April 19, with increasing availability on CVS.com and in most CVS Pharmacy locations by the end of May.

  • Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test $23.99The BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Tests have not been FDA cleared or approved. They have been authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization. The tests have been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens, and are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circ*mstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.: Reliable fully at-home test for surveillance and frequent use delivers results in 15 minutes. The box contains two tests which should be administered twice over three days with at least 36 hours between tests. The test is available at CVS.com and in 5,600 CVS Pharmacy locations as the week of April 19, with additional locations to follow.

  • Pixel by Labcorp Home Collection KitPixel by Labcorp offers this product with an FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). This means that this product has not been FDA cleared or approved, but has been authorized for emergency use by FDA under an EUA. This product has only been authorized by FDA for detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., the COVID-19 virus), and not for any other virus or pathogen. The emergency use of this product is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circ*mstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.: This PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is the same test used by physicians across the U.S. Results typically are available within 1-2 days and can be accessed via the Pixel by Labcorp website. The test is available now at CVS.com and in select stores in AL, MA, RI and CT.

The OTC testing options are not covered by insurance and are not meant to test the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination. CVS Health has been increasing access to testing options since the start of the pandemic and has completed more than 15 million COVID-19 tests to date across more than 4,800 testing sites at select CVS Pharmacy locations, with nearly 1,000 of those locations providing rapid-result testing. With the addition of OTC testing options that can be conducted from the comfort of home, CVS Pharmacy continues to serve as a leader in COVID-19 testing, which remains a critical component of the nation's pandemic response. More information about testing services is available at CVS.com.

About CVS Pharmacy

CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health, is America's leading retail pharmacy with nearly 10,000 locations, including over 1,700 pharmacies inside of Target and Schnucks grocery stores. We are committed to delivering innovative health solutions that create a simpler, more accessible experience for patients, customers and caregivers. CVS Pharmacy is the only national pharmacy to remove tobacco products from its shelves and has taken a leadership role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by making testing and vaccinations available at locations across the United States. For the latest product and service offerings, visit www.cvs.com or download the CVS Pharmacy app.

Media contact

Matt Blanchette
401-524-6185
Matthew.Blanchette@CVSHealth.com

Over-the-counter COVID-19 testing now available at CVS Pharmacy (2024)

FAQs

Are CVS brand COVID tests accurate? ›

I would give this product zero stars. Two false positive readings within the span of 3 days. I went through a negative rapid and PCR at an urgent care after getting a positive result, along with 4 other brands. Trust Binax Now and the i health Rapid tests instead.

Which is the best at-home COVID test? ›

Why We Recommend It. During testing, we found the iHealth Antigen Rapid Test to be the best combination of ease and affordability for the average user, which is why it takes our top spot. For under $20, you get two tests that are easy to use and read, with testing results in just 15 minutes.

How long after exposure to COVID do you test positive? ›

Depending on which COVID-19 variant you've been exposed to, you may test positive 3-5 days later. If you've been exposed to the virus but don't have any symptoms, wait for 5 days before you get tested. If you test too early and you do have COVID-19, you may falsely test negative.

Can you get COVID tests free? ›

How to get free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests if you're eligible. If you're eligible for COVID-19 treatments, you may be able to pick up free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests from a pharmacy. Your local integrated care board (ICB) may also be able to give you more information on where you can collect free tests.

What is the best over the counter medicine for COVID? ›

Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home. You can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help feel better.

Can you put too many drops in a COVID test? ›

Put the drops from the sample tube only into the designated well of the test cassette. Dispense four drops from the sample tube. Too many or too few drops can lead to an incorrect or invalid test result.

What are the three new COVID symptoms? ›

KP.2, the dominant member of a viral strain nicknamed FLiRT, has become the top COVID-19 variant in the United States. Common symptoms of FLiRT are runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, and fatigue.

How long do you stay positive for COVID? ›

Some tests, especially PCR tests, may continue to show a positive result for up to 90 days. Reinfections can occur within 90 days, which can make it hard to know if a positive test indicates a new infection. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your circ*mstances.

How long are you contagious with COVID? ›

try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days after the day you took your test if you are 18 years old or over. avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from viruses, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after the day you took your test.

What are the first symptoms of COVID? ›

Possible symptoms include:
  • Fever or chills.
  • Cough.
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
  • Fatigue.
  • Muscle or body aches.
  • Headache.
Mar 15, 2024

When do COVID symptoms peak? ›

Symptoms start: Between days 2-5 after being infected, you may develop symptoms of COVID. Not everyone gets or notices symptoms, but if you do, you'll typically start to feel some nasal congestion, sore throat, and a cough. Symptoms peak: Around 3-5 days after you start to feel sick, symptoms of COVID peak.

Does a very faint line mean COVID is going away? ›

“The less dark, the line is, the less viral material that is present,” he says. “This could reflect diminishing contagiousness, or the start of it.”

How long do COVID symptoms last? ›

Most people with COVID-19 feel better within a few days or weeks of their first symptoms and make a full recovery within 12 weeks. For some people, symptoms can last longer. This is called long COVID or post COVID-19 syndrome. Long COVID is a new condition which is still being studied.

What is the infectious period of COVID-19? ›

Quick read: Your infectious period

The COVID-19 infectious period can vary, but most people are considered infectious from 48 hours before their symptoms start and can be infectious for up to 10 days.

Do COVID tests expire? ›

Q: How is the expiration date determined for an at-home COVID-19 diagnostic test and can it be extended? (9/29/23) A: All at-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests are labeled with an expiration date printed on the outer box or package. Generally, tests should not be used beyond this expiration date.

What type of COVID-19 test is most accurate? ›

PCR tests are more reliable and accurate due to testing the specific genetic material of the virus, eliminating the interference from other viruses,” said Heather Seyko, a Laboratory Services manager for OSF HealthCare.

How accurate are at home COVID tests accurate? ›

The sensitivity of clinician and self-collected rapid testing was very good and relatively similar at 88.2% (clinician) vs. 83.9% (patient); notably, sensitivity was much lower in asymptomatic cases (63% [clinician] vs. 52% [self]) as compared to symptomatic cases (90% [clinician] vs. 88% [self]).

How likely is a false positive at home covid test? ›

Rapid antigen tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are effective tools for the diagnosis of acute infection, particularly when used serially. The percentage of rapid antigen tests with false positive results is reported to be less than 1%.

Are faint lines positive for COVID? ›

“A faint line means you're almost certainly positive,” he says.

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