At-home COVID tests flying off the shelves at pharmacies

The different kinds of at-home COVID tests

While they're nearly impossible to find in stock, there are a number of COVID at-home tests on the market, each one offering something a little different. So how do they work and what's the best option for reliable results?

NEW YORK - The phones have been ringing off the hook at Rockville Centre Pharmacy as people try to get their hands on at home COVID-19 test kits.

"You get 36 pieces, they’re gone in 15 minutes, 80 pieces, and they're gone in an hour," said pharmacist Howard Jacobson.

While some at-home rapid test kits are more user-friendly than others, many pharmacists can’t discriminate when it comes to different brands because it’s so difficult right now to get a hold of them.

"We’re just trying to get kits that are FDA authorized," Jacobson said.

FlowFlex, Binax and iHealth range in price from $7 to $12 a test depending on where you buy them.

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These self-administered kits achieve results in 15 minutes after a nasal swab specimen is collected.

Everlywell and Pixel by Labcorp detect RNA. They’re more costly and require the sample to be sent out for analysis.

But if you’re looking for a PCR test from your own home - Cue Health is another option. Prices start at $474 for the reader and three tests, once swabbed you’ll have results within 20 minutes.

While at home antigen test kits aren’t as precise as PCR tests, if you are one of the lucky ones to get a hold of a kit - doctors explain tests are more accurate when a person waits after an exposure.

"It’s going to take a couple of days, 3-5 days for the virus to replicate enough to create the protein that is tested by these at home kits," said Dr. Payal Sud who is the Associate Chair of Emergency Medicine at Glen Cove Hospital.

Need help finding a test? Trackers including NowInStock.net flag when inventory is available.

"They’re definitely selling out faster and subscribers have increased dramatically over the last two weeks," said CEO Justin Vavrick.

Doctors say it’s best to use the at home tests if you have symptoms instead of using them for routine testing. But even with PCR and at home tests - they still believe the best method to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by getting vaccinated.