Home-Testing Kits for COVID-19: Availability, Accuracy and Mitigation Strategies

Concerns about the availability and accuracy of at-home testing kits for COVID-19 have been widespread. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, addressing key questions and offering practical advice for individuals and policymakers.

Current Availability

Are at-home testing kits for the COVID-19 coronavirus available in the US? Yes, they were available as others have noted either free from the government or in stores at times. However, it's important to note that while these tests can help individuals determine their status, they may not meet the stringent requirements for air travel or international travel. Some tests, such as the Abbott labs tests for a cruise, include online proctoring which may be considered acceptable under certain circumstances.

Others have reported that ordering such kits from the Federal Government is still an option, and that drugstores, Wal-Mart, Amazon, and even doctors' offices may have them. However, it is crucial to verify the authenticity and reliability of these tests to avoid falling prey to scams and misinformation.

Official Government Announcements and FDA Approval

The most recent development is the indication by Vice President Pence during a COVID-19 press conference that at-home tests are FDA-approved and will soon be available. These official government announcements focus on ensuring public health and safety through reliable testing methods.

Challenges and Considerations

The primary challenge with at-home testing lies in sample collection and preservation. A cheek swab with a sterile swab and container is straightforward, but the sample must be kept at precise temperatures and quickly sent to a lab. The precision required can significantly affect the test's accuracy, making it difficult to guarantee valid results if these conditions are not met. As such, relying on professional healthcare providers remains the safest option.

Moreover, a word of caution against at-home tests is warranted due to the prevalence of charlatans and con-artists. Relying on well-known healthcare entities and approaches, such as PCR nasal swabs or blood tests for antibodies, can provide more reliable results.

Mitigation Strategies

As the pandemic progresses, different strategies are being adopted at both individual and structural levels. Currently, there is no need for individual testing kits, as we have moved beyond the containment phase and into the mitigation phase. Those at high risk, including healthcare and essential service workers, as well as those requiring hospitalization, should be prioritized for testing.

A proposed protocol suggests that at-risk individuals should not leave their homes. Non-at-risk individuals who wish to leave their homes should be routinely tested for antibodies. A blood test would be sufficient to determine if they have previously been exposed to the virus, which would either indicate active contagiousness or immunity. If antibodies are positive, further PCR nasal swab testing should be conducted to ensure it's safe to ease lockdown restrictions.

The future may see the widespread availability of at-home antibody tests. These would involve a simple pin-prick to obtain a sample, which can then be sent to a lab for analysis. However, their necessity will be determined once the post-mitigation phase begins.

Understanding the current state of at-home testing is crucial for ensuring public health and safety. By following official guidelines and continuing to support professional healthcare providers, individuals can make informed decisions during this challenging time.