You can now get affordable at-home Rapid COVID-19 Tests for only $6.99 Each (2 in Pack)!
COVID-19 Rapid At-Home tests have been in high demand, and therefore, not cheap.
But not now!
You can now get at-home tests for only $6.99 each! They’re sold in packs of 2 so that’s $13.98 for a box, plus shipping and taxes.
I just ordered 4 tests and shipping was only $5.00.
There is no expedited shipping though – so my advice is to order tests now before you need them.
On November 5, 2021, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization for these tests. The FDA release can be read here.
I received mine about one week and a half after ordering them. They do work and I can honestly say I do recommend them.
Watch this video about how easily they work:
But aren’t COVID-19 tests free?
Yes, and Minnesota has been awesome about offering free COVID-19 saliva tests for everyone, and now, rapid nasal swab tests.
However, there’s nothing more convenient than having a quick test you can do at home.
Here’s why.
In our family, we have had several cold viruses going through our household since COVID-19 began. And all our plans had to be on hold until we could confirm we didn’t have COVID-19. (You all know the frustration, right?)
So we would have to make an appointment for a test and then wait 24-48 hours for results. And sometimes we couldn’t get in for a test right away due to limited hours or times filling up. (Walk-in appointments were available but there is often a longer wait with those.)
COVID-19 tests have cancelled plans for our family
A couple months ago, we had plans to go to Valleyfair with a group, but right before we left, my daughter complained of cold symptoms.
I couldn’t have her do the saliva test and get results quickly enough – those tests take 24-48 hours to get results.
So I looked for a rapid test. They weren’t yet easily available near us, and I couldn’t find an at-home test to buy at any pharmacy or store.
So we had to cancel going to Valleyfair, to be on the safe side.
We were SO bummed out.
If we had had a rapid at-home test on hand, we could have done the test and gotten results immediately.
As it turned out, my daughter got the saliva test done and it was negative, but we didn’t find out for a couple of days. So we would have been ok to go to Valleyfair, but we didn’t know.
Since then, I’ve found at-home tests on amazon but they are NOT cheap. I actually paid $50 for a 2-pack, and then that one sold out.
But now I just discovered affordable tests from iHealth!
We now make sure we have rapid at-home tests on-hand
I ordered 4 tests – two 2-packs – and I’m relieved to know I’ll have these on-hand.
As it turned out, my daughter got the saliva test done and it was negative, but we didn’t find out for a couple of days.
Thankfully, we don’t have to go through that again!
COVID-19 isn’t going away anytime soon, and we’re now heading into flu and cold season. So get a bunch of tests to be prepared!
Note: They do limit each order to 5 boxes.
Get your affordable tests now!
Are there other tests?
Yes, but they’re often hard to find or more expensive. BUT shipping is quicker with these, so if you need at-home tests quick by mail, I recommend these.
Walmart has the BinaxNOW test 2-packs for $14.00. But I haven’t been able to find them in stock at most stores. I’d recommend checking if they’re available near you or you can have them shipped to you.
These are the cheapest ones I found on amazon.com. They’re $26.50 for 2 tests.
These are even more expensive at $34.99 for a 2-pack.
If you prefer tests from a site like Amazon or quicker shipping, I would recommend those.
About the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
The iHealth® COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test is a lateral flow assay intended for the qualitative detection of nucleocapsid protein antigen from SARS-CoV-2.
This test is authorized for non-prescription home use with self-collected anterior nasal (nares) swab samples from individuals aged 15 years or older with symptoms of COVID-19 within the first seven days of symptom onset. This test is also authorized for non-prescription home use with adult-collected nasal swab samples from individuals aged 2 years or older with symptoms of COVID-19 within the first seven days of symptom onset.
This test is also authorized for non-prescription home use with self-collected anterior nasal (nares) swab samples from individuals aged 15 years or older, or adult collected anterior nasal swab samples from individuals aged 2 years or older, with or without symptoms or other epidemiological reasons to suspect COVID-19 when tested twice over three days with at least 24 hours (and no more than 48 hours) between tests.
The iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Home Test Kit has not been FDA cleared or approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization. It 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 circumstances 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 the authorization is revoked sooner.
For more COVID-19 help:
(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that help support this site at no cost to you. All opinions are 100% mine.)