Ask 2: Are there any rapid COVID-19 tests that can be taken at home?

Mendy McNulty prepares test swabs for shipping as her son, Andrew, 7, watches after the family did a twice-weekly coronavirus test in their home Tuesday, July 28, 2020, in Mount Juliet, Tenn. Six thousand U.S. parents and kids are swabbing their noses twice a week to answer some of the most vexing mysteries about the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (Mark Humphrey, Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

At KPRC 2, we’re dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston.

Question: Are there any rapid COVID-19 tests that can be taken at home?

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Answer: At-home COVID-19 tests are available, but limited.

Randalls announced in July that it will provide at-home test kits at the pharmacy that is approved by the FDA for emergency use.

In order to purchase the kit, you must register and request for the kit to be delivered or picked up at your nearest Randalls pharmacy. A payment of $139.99 must be made before the kit is sent to you or to your home.

Houston-based imaware Health is also providing COVID-19 at-home test kits in partnership with the Houston Health Department for those who are at higher risk for the virus. This includes having a healthcare professional visit the home to conduct the test for you, if necessary.

To qualify for imaware’s COVID-19 test, you must take their screening and risk assessment before scheduling your test kit.

Both tests have an expected turnaround of 72 hours for results to arrive to the patient’s preferred method of contact.

Do you have a question? Send it our way, and we will try to hunt down an answer.

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About the Author:

A graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown, Ana moved to H-Town from sunny southern California in 2015. In 2020, she joined the KPRC 2 digital team as an intern. Ana is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, a catmom of 3, and an aquarium enthusiast. In her spare time, she's an avid video gamer and loves to travel.