Walgreens, Labcorp offering at-home COVID-19 test collection kits
Walgreens and Labcorp are partnering to provide consumers with access to the Labcorp COVID-19 at-home collection kit. Available through Labcorp OnDemand, the PCR test can be accessed at no cost to individuals who meet clinical guidelines.
The retailer's addition of the kits, which are provided in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, will enable more communities to access reliable, convenient testing services when, where and how they need them, the companies said.
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“Walgreens is focused on reducing barriers to health care, including cost and transportation,” John Standley, president of Walgreens, said. “Through our continued partnership with Labcorp and HHS, communities will have better access to convenient COVID-19 PCR testing. This is particularly important for uninsured, socially vulnerable and medically underserved populations, who continue to be among those most impacted by COVID.”
Consumers are able to request a Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 at-home kit online for individuals who are age 2 years old and older. In addition, individuals scheduling a testing appointment using the Walgreens online scheduler will see a pop-up with the option to request a COVID-19 at-home collection kit.
Individuals will then be directed to Labcorp OnDemand, a healthcare platform that helps individuals manage their health and make more informed decisions. Once on the platform, customers will be prompted to answer eligibility questions and request a kit.
[Read more: CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens and Walmart now selling Abbott's at-home COVID-19 test OTC]
Completed tests can be dropped off at more than 6,000 Walgreens locations or a FedEx drop-off location using the pre-paid FedEx Priority Overnight bag provided.
“Expanding our offerings with Walgreens to provide Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 at-home collection kits to Walgreens customers makes testing within reach for more individuals across the country, including those communities that might otherwise have a harder time accessing health care,” Brian Caveney, chief medical officer, president of Labcorp Diagnostics, said. “As we begin seeing regions across the country loosen COVID-19 restrictions, testing will continue to play an important role as people increase pre-pandemic routine activities.”
The Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 at-home collection kit uses the same PCR test trusted by doctors and hospitals across the country. PCR testing is considered the gold standard in diagnosing COVID-19, and the Labcorp test detects all current variants of the virus. At-home collection kits are shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight with step-by-step instructions to guide individuals through kit registration, sample collection and how to return your sample. Results are provided on average within one to two days after the specimen is received at the lab and can be accessed through the Labcorp OnDemand portal.
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Lastly, in addition to the new program, the retailer offers free drive-thru testing for individuals age 3 years old and older at more than 7,000 locations nationwide, with more than half of Walgreens COVID-19 testing sites located in socially vulnerable areas.
Walgreens also offers over-the-counter tests for purchase online and in stores. For reimbursement of over-the-counter tests, customers should ask their pharmacist if their plan offers coverage with no out-of-pocket cost.