At-Home Flu Tests: Where to Get Them, Accuracy, and FAQs - GoodRx (2024)

A lot of different viruses can cause fever, cough, and congestion. And when these symptoms start to set in, most people want to know which one they have. But when you’re coming down with something that feels like the flu, the last thing you want to do is leave the comfort of your own home.

Well now there’s a home flu test that you can order online without a prescription. This test can tell you if you have the flu (influenza), RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), COVID-19, or even a combination of them. And since there are some treatment options available, it helps to know which one you have.

How do at-home flu tests work?

Pixel by Labcorp is the only FDA-approved home test for the flu. It’s available for anyone ages 2 years and older. It also tests for RSV and COVID. And this is helpful because these three viruses have many of the same symptoms.

Lucira by Pfizer may be another option in the future, but it doesn’t have FDA approval yet.

Pixel uses a nasal swab to test for the flu, similar to rapid COVID tests. But it’s not a rapid test. You have to mail it to the lab.

In the lab, they run a RT-PCR test (reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction). These tests are very good at detecting infection. They can detect the genetic material of a virus, then match it to the virus that causes COVID, the flu (influenza A or B), or RSV. You only need to take one nasal swab to test for all three viruses.

How to test for the flu at home

To test for the flu at home, you have to collect your own sample by swabbing your nose. For the test result to be accurate, you need to get a good sample.

Your Pixel test kit includes instructions. Here are the main steps:

• Wash your hands before you touch the swab.

• Similar to a COVID test, swab each nostril for about 15 seconds.

• Adults can collect their own sample. They should collect samples for children ages 2 to 13 years old. Teens can collect their own sample with supervision.

• There will be paperwork in the test kit where you can write down the date and time that you collected your sample. If you don’t do this, the lab may reject your sample.

• Send the kit into the lab with the prepaid package.

Once Labcorp gets your sample, it takes about 1 to 2 days to get your result. You can see your results on your Labcorp online account. For each virus, it will list a positive or negative result. Positive means the virus was detected. Negative means it was not.

When is the best time to use a home flu test?

To get the most accurate result possible, test as soon as you start having flu symptoms. And you need to test within 4 days from the start of your symptoms. If you wait longer than that, you might not have enough flu virus in your nasal swab for the test to detect it. This means you could get a false-negative result.

Also, treatment for the flu is most effective if started within 48 hours (2 days) of the start of symptoms. This is another important reason to take the home flu test as soon as you start feeling sick.

How accurate is the home flu test?

The most accurate flu test is a PCR test, like the Pixel by Labcorp. PCR tests can detect even small amounts of the virus. And because the test detects genetic material unique to the flu, you can be confident in your results.

Let’s go over exactly what a negative and positive flu result means for the home flu test.

What does a negative home flu test result mean?

If you have a negative result, this means the test did not detect the flu in your sample. But it’s possible that you have a false-negative result. This means the test is negative, but you actually have the flu. This is more likely to happen if:

• You tested too early, when the virus just started replicating in your body.

• You tested too late, beyond the peak of virus levels.

• You did not get a good sample.

If your symptoms are getting worse rather than better, it may be worth testing again. Or you can call your provider. They can help you figure out the next step.

Even if you have a negative result, it’s still important to prevent spreading your infection to others. Practice good hand-washing and keep your distance from others, especially those at higher risk of infection. This includes people with weaker immune systems, young children, and older adults.

What does a positive home flu test result mean?

If you have a positive result, it means the test detected the flu virus. And unlike a false negative, a false positive is very rare. So if you test positive, you have the flu.

If you’re healthy and feel like your symptoms are manageable, you may be able to recover from the flu at home. But it’s often best to contact your provider when you have the flu to figure out if you need treatment. This is especially true for:

• Adults over the age of 65

• Children under the age of 5

• Pregnant women

• People who have chronic health conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease, or diabetes

• Anyone with a weakened immune system

But even for healthy people, the flu can be serious. So it’s best to contact your provider or to get medical attention if you feel like your symptoms are worsening after the first 3 to 4 days. This is especially important if you feel like your symptoms are severe and you have:

• Trouble breathing

• Wheezing

• Chest pain

• Confusion or dizziness

• Extreme weakness

• Repeated vomiting

• A severe headache that won’t go away

• Fever over 103°F

Where can you buy a home flu test?

You can order a test directly from the manufacturer’s website. And you don’t need a prescription to get the home flu test.

This test currently costs $129. But it can be free if your health insurance covers it, though you still need to pay the cost up front. This is because Labcorp bills you — not your health insurance — when you order the test.

If you feel up to it, call your insurance company before you order the test to see if they will reimburse you. If you don’t have insurance, you can get a discount through the GoodRx Flu Vaccine Program to help lower costs at a health center.

And you may be able to pay for your test with a health savings account (HSA), if you have one. But it’s a good idea to contact your insurance company to make sure they approve this as an eligible expense.