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

Can you buy COVID tests over the counter? ›

You can buy rapid lateral flow tests from some pharmacies and retailers, in person or online.

How accurate are the at-home COVID tests? ›

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]).

Can you use expired COVID tests? ›

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.

Are flowflex tests accurate? ›

Antigen tests, such as the Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test, detect proteins from the virus. Due to the lower sensitivity of antigen tests, there is a higher chance this test will give you a negative result when you have COVID-19 than a molecular test would.

Which COVID test is most accurate? ›

Getting tested is an important part of slowing the spread of COVID-19. With more accurate results, PCR tests are the preferred way to go, but antigen tests work for rapid results, as well.

How do I get a COVID test kit? ›

If you're eligible for COVID-19 treatment, you may be able to pick up free rapid lateral flow test kits from your local pharmacy.

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.

What are new COVID symptoms? ›

The new COVID variant symptoms are similar to those of previous strains, including:
  • Congestion.
  • Cough.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Fatigue.
  • Fever and chills.
  • Headaches.
  • Loss of taste or smell.
  • Muscle soreness and aches.

How long will I test positive for COVID after having it? ›

After a positive test result, you may continue to test positive for some time. 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.

Why was Flowflex recalled? ›

During a routine shelf-life extension program check, Health Department staff recorded an unknown lot number on Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Tests received from a long-time distributor. Upon investigation, it was found that this lot number was not listed on the U.S. FDA's shelf-life extension website.

What is the easiest COVID test to use? ›

Easiest to Use

That's where the FlowFlex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test can come in handy. We found it the easiest to use above all other tests. With this test, there's no hassle, complicated steps, extra technology, or hard-to-use components.

How long are you contagious with COVID? ›

Many people will no longer be infectious to others after 5 days, but you can be infectious for up to 10 days.

What are the current COVID symptoms? ›

Symptoms of COVID-19

a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours. a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. shortness of breath. feeling tired or exhausted.

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 best COVID test? ›

PCR tests are the “gold standard” for COVID-19 tests. They are a type of nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), which are more likely to detect the virus than antigen tests. Your sample will usually be taken by a healthcare provider and transported to a laboratory for testing.

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