CVS COVID Testing: How to Get Tested and What to Expect

COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus that emerged in late 2019. The disease can cause mild to severe symptoms, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, and more. In some cases, COVID-19 can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, organ failure, blood clots, or death.

One of the ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to get tested regularly, especially if you have symptoms, exposure, or travel history. Testing can help you confirm your infection status, isolate yourself if needed, and seek medical care if necessary. Testing can also help you protect your family, friends, and community from getting infected.

If you are looking for a convenient and accessible way to get tested for COVID-19, you might want to consider CVS COVID testing. CVS is a leading pharmacy chain that offers various types of COVID-19 testing options in stores and online.

What is CVS COVID Testing?

CVS COVID testing is a service provided by CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health. CVS Pharmacy offers three over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 testing options in stores and online. The available tests are:

• The Ellume COVID-19 Home Test: This is a rapid antigen test that uses a nasal swab and a smartphone app to deliver results in 15 minutes. The test has an accuracy of 95% and can detect both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections.
• The Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test: This is another rapid antigen test that uses a nasal swab and a test card to deliver results in 15 minutes. The test has an accuracy of 84.6% and can detect symptomatic infections.
• The Pixel by Labcorp PCR Test Home Collection Kit: This is a molecular test that uses a nasal swab and a mail-in kit to deliver results in 1-2 days. The test has an accuracy of 99% and can detect both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections.

The OTC testing options are not covered by insurance and are not meant to test the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination. They are intended for people who are 18 years or older and who want to test themselves at home.

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In addition to the OTC testing options, CVS Pharmacy also offers clinical testing options at select locations. These include:

• Drive-thru testing: This is a self-swab test that is performed at a CVS Pharmacy drive-thru window. The test is supervised by a pharmacy team member and sent to a third-party lab for processing. The results are available in 2-3 days.
• Rapid-result testing: This is another self-swab test that is performed at a CVS Pharmacy location. The test is processed on-site using the Abbott ID NOW system and delivers results in about 30 minutes.

The clinical testing options are covered by most insurance plans and are meant for people who have symptoms or exposure to COVID-19. They are also available for people who need testing for travel or other purposes.

How to Get Tested with CVS COVID Testing?

To get tested with CVS COVID testing, you need to follow these steps:

1. Visit CVS.com or use the CVS App to search for available testing options at nearby CVS Pharmacy locations.
2. Select the testing option that suits your needs and preferences.
3. If you choose an OTC testing option, enter your insurance information (if applicable) and provide an email and phone number to receive notifications with updates on your order status.
4. If you choose a clinical testing option, schedule an appointment online and fill out a registration form with your personal and health information.
5. Pick up your test kit from the store or wait for it to be delivered to your home (for OTC testing) or go to the testing site at your scheduled time (for clinical testing).
6. Follow the instructions on how to perform the test correctly and safely.
7. Wait for your results and follow the guidance on what to do next.

What to Expect from CVS COVID Testing?

CVS COVID testing can help you determine your infection status and take appropriate actions accordingly. However, there are some things that you should expect from CVS COVID testing, such as:

• Accuracy: The accuracy of the tests depends on various factors, such as the type of test, the quality of the sample, the timing of the test, etc. No test is 100% accurate, and there is always a possibility of false negative or false positive results. You should always consult your health care provider if you have any doubts or questions about your test results.
• Cost: The cost of the tests varies depending on the type of test, the insurance coverage, and the location. The OTC testing options are not covered by insurance and range from $23.99 to $119.99 per test. The clinical testing options are covered by most insurance plans and are free for uninsured patients under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act .
• Availability: The availability of the tests depends on the supply and demand, as well as the local regulations and guidelines. The tests may not be available at all CVS Pharmacy locations or in all states. You should always check the availability and eligibility of the tests before ordering or scheduling them.
• Convenience: The convenience of the tests depends on your personal preference and situation. Some people may prefer to test themselves at home, while others may prefer to go to a testing site. Some people may want to get their results quickly, while others may not mind waiting for a few days. You should choose the testing option that works best for you and your needs.

Conclusion

CVS COVID testing is a service that offers various types of COVID-19 testing options in stores and online. The tests can help you confirm your infection status, isolate yourself if needed, and seek medical care if necessary. The tests can also help you protect your family, friends, and community from getting infected.