At-Home COVID Testing Vs Community Testing Centers

Getting tested for COVID-19 is an essential part of keeping yourself and those around you healthy, but what are your options? You can choose between at-home COVID-19 testing and going to a community testing center.

Here, we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both types of testing services.

At-home COVID-19 testing

There are two ways you can get tested for COVID-19 at home. One, you can purchase and self-administer a DIY RT-PCR kit, which needs to be sent to a lab for processing.

Two, you can get tested with an in-home medical service such as Drip Hydration. With this type of service, a licensed nurse comes to your home, administers the test, and consults with you about the results of your test after the results have returned.

Here are the benefits of in-home testing with a medical service

Pros

• Your test is private and discreet, ideal for high-profile individuals or celebrities.
• In-home testing saves you time since you don’t have to wait in long lines or traffic.
• Your test is administered by a licensed clinician for your peace of mind.

Cons

• An in-home test may not be covered by insurance.
• You may need to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed by your insurance company, if your health plan covers private COVID testing.
• In-home testing may not be available in your area.

COVID-19 testing at community centers and drive-Ins

You can get COVID-19 tests at many community testing centers, drive-ins, clinics, urgent care centers, university clinics, and more. Check with your state’s guidance to find the closest testing center near you.

Pros

• Your test is administered by a licensed medical professional for your peace of mind.
• Your test should be covered by insurance.
• There are many testing centers available in your area.

Cons

• Some testing centers have long lines, meaning that you may need to wait hours just to get tested.
• The high demand for tests means potential delays in your results.
• You could potentially expose yourself to COVID-19 if someone waiting with you has it.
• You could potentially expose others to the virus if you’re sick.

What does a COVID-19 screening show?

A COVID-19 screening will show one of two things, depending on the type of test you get.

• The RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests will show if you currently have an active infection.
• The antibody test will show whether you previously had a COVID-19 infection (whether or not you had symptoms).

Try the government issued Coronavirus Self-Checker