Demand For At-Home COVID Tests Is On The Rise

Home tests for COVID-19 will soon be covered by insurance, but they’re already in short supply, with demand for all types of testing on the rise.

Oklahoma topped 10,000 new infections reported January 13.

That number doesn’t include the home tests, which so many people are buying.

A Walgreens clerk in Tulsa said they sold 150 home tests January 12.

Sam’s, Target, Wal-Mart and CVS all reported they were out, with each uncertain of when they’ll get more.

Wal-Mart sells a box of two tests for $20, which is among the lowest cost options.

The wait for conventional testing in a drive up setting is taking hours, with results coming generally 24 hours later.

Saint Francis reported on January 12, 800 people were testing daily at their main site.

Axis Health in Bixby reported testing 500 people each day.

Home tests deliver slightly less reliable results, but in 15 minutes.

The tests are routinely used for screening purposes in asymptomatic people because of their low cost.