Amazon launches at-home COVID-19 test kit for $39.99

[Klaralven]

Amazon has launched an at-home COVID-19 test kit for U.S. customers, the company announced today. Customers receive the nasal-swab kit via Amazon Prime delivery, at no extra cost, and send it via pre-paid next-day delivery to Amazon’s diagnostic laboratory in Kentucky, with results expected within 24 hours, according to a company statement.

The test is based on PCR, the same approach used by the city of Seattle and other public health efforts nationwide that detects viral nucleic acids. The test is distinct from an antibody-based test, which detects viral proteins and picks up fewer early-stage infections.

The new test builds on Amazon’s in-house COVID-19 testing program, which has processed millions of tests from more than 750,000 employees, according to the company. The at-home test is self-administered, and received FDA clearance through an emergency use authorization, on May 28, through an Amazon subsidiary, STS Lab Holdco.

“The Amazon collection kit offers customers the convenience they’ve come to expect from Amazon.com by providing access to COVID-19 testing whenever and wherever they need it,” said Cem Sibay, the Amazon vice president leading the company’s COVID-19 testing work, in the statement.

https://www.geekwire.com/2021/amazon-launches-home-covid-19-test-kit-39-99/

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

1. The only thing I want to say is that the nasal swab has to go a LOT higher in the nose

than most people realize.

I had such a swab last December. It was not fun. I could never have properly done it for myself.

[BigmanPigman]

3. I had one taken before my first shot of Pfizer vax

and it was at a hospital pop up. I was really surprised since the swab barely went further than a finger could (if I tried that). After seeing people on the news getting it shoved right into their brain cavity, I was expecting this procedure. I was pleasantly surprised.

[Ms. Toad]

9. Mostly, they don't us swabs that deep any more.

I refer to the two versions as the nose tickle and the brain tickle.

All of the tests I've had - since November - have been the nose tickle. Some I've done myself under the supervision of the CVS drive-through pharmacist. Some have been administered by either my employer or the Cleveland Clinic.

I'm surprised in December that you had the brain tickle. They had mostly shifted by November (when my daughter and spouse were both exposed) and December when I had 3 surgeries (and had to have advance tests).

[littlemissmartypants]

13. Absolutely agree! The last one I had left me with a nosebleed that took 45 mins to resolve. nt

[BigmanPigman]

2. These days I can't support anything Amazon does

without tasting throw up in my mouth.

[DURHAM D]

4. They are about half that amount from Walmart and Walgreens. nt

[ecstatic]

5. Walmart has tests for 19.99. Binax or something?

Saw it the other day but I think I'll stick with the free tests for now.

[helpisontheway]

6. I paid $24 for 2 rapid home tests the other day

I just wanted to have a couple handy. It looks like this one costs more because it is a PCR test instead of rapid. PCR tests are more accurate.

[meadowlander]

7. Have there been any updates on antibody tests?

That's what I'd be keen to try. I had wicked Covid toes during the lockdown last March but tested negative. Since I was about three weeks into my symptoms when I had the test and they weren't respiratory, the nurses at the time said the odds of a false negative were pretty good.

[tableturner]

8. I got it done for free at Walgreens, just like you can at many other stores.

[Ms. Toad]

10. Why pay when it's available for free?

I've had at least six, free of charge.

[TheBlackAdder]

11. Probably a little DNA sequencing thrown in at no extra cost.

.

Private DNA companies and those pesky TOS privacy terms that you agree can change at any time.

.

[vanlassie]

12. My daughter in the UK gets them constantly handed out for free

everywhere- the mall, grocery, station. She has 12 boxes at the moment.