Covid-19 Test from Home

Some COVID-19 tests can be done entirely at home and do not have to go to a lab for processing. This is a way for people to test themselves quickly for COVID•19 without going to a testing site or medical provider. People who get a positive test result can take action right away, such as staying at home and away from other household members as much as possible. However, for a test result to be correct, you must follow test instructions EXACTLY as written.

COVID-19 tests currently approved for at-home use:

Molecular tests look at a sample taken from inside your nose or throat, or of your saliva (spit), to see if it has the genetic material of the virus that causes COVID-19. One molecular test, called Lucira, can be completed entirely at home without being sent to a lab.

All other at-home molecular tests require mailing a saliva or nasal sample to a lab and getting results back in 24 to 72 hours. If you order a test through Minnesota’s COVID•19 Vault Saliva Testing at Home program, you will receive a saliva test you will take at home and mail to a lab for processing.

Antigen tests look at a sample taken from inside your nose or throat to see if you have tiny bits of the virus that causes COVID-19. Antigen tests can be run entirely at home without being sent to a lab.