Waiting on your free COVID test in the mail? Here’s where to find at home tests in Kansas City

Joseph Hernandez
·6 min read

Local health officials and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are encouraging people to take at-home COVID-19 tests to limit the spread of the coronavirus, as the omicron variant spreads across the country — and since it has arrived to Kansas City.

You can now order at-home COVID-19 tests for free and here’s how you can get yours.

You can also still find at-home tests at some stores and pharmacies across the metro. But due to the high demand, they’re flying off the shelves quickly. Be sure to check with the store for availability before ordering or going in.

Here’s what you need to know about where to get an at-home test in the Kansas City area, how to take the test, what your results mean and what to do in case of a test error, according to the CDC.

Also, if you can’t find an at-home test, you can find a free test in the area using this list, or you can request one for free from the state of Missouri.

WHERE DO I GET AN AT-HOME COVID-19 TEST?

CVS

CVS stores in the Kansas City area are sold out of at-home COVID-19 tests, but stores are receiving supplies randomly, so make sure you call your local CVS before searching.

BinaxNow COVID-19 Antigen Self Test - $23.99.

Ellume COVID-19 Home Test - $38.99.

Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test - $9.99.

Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 PCR Test Home Collection Kit - $124.99.

QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test Kits - $23.99.

GoPuff

You can order on/go at-home COVID-19 tests using GoPuff. They’re out of stock now, so be sure to hit the notification bell to be alerted when they return.

HyVee

As of Wednesday, Jan. 19, HyVee stores on Noland Road and West 63rd St. in Shawnee have at-home COVID-19 tests available. Call your local store for more information and availability.

You have to create an account with HyVee to order online. You can do that here.

QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test Kits

On/go COVID-19 Antigen Self Test

Target

As of Wednesday, Jan. 19, at-home COVID-19 tests are not available at the Ward Parkway store. Be sure to call your local store for more information and availability.

Access Bio COVID-Rapid Test - $15.79.

Ellume COVID-19 Home Test - $26.10.

Everlywell COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit - $102. Only available online.

Walgreens

As of Wednesday, Jan. 19, Walgreens stores in the Kansas City metro are out of at-home COVID-19 tests and don’t know when they’ll receive more tests. Call your local store for more information.

BinaxNow COVID-19 Antigen Self Test - $23.99. Currently available for shipping.

On/go COVID-19 Antigen Self Test - $23.99. Unavailable for shipping.

QuickVue Rapid At-Home COVID-19 Antigen Test Kit - $23.99. Currently in stock at multiple stores in the Kansas City area.

Inteli Swab COVID-19 Rapid Home Test - $23.99. Currently in stock at multiple stores in the Kansas City area.

Walmart

As of Wednesday, Jan. 19, local Walmarts don’t have at-home COVID-19 tests in stock. Be sure to call your local store for more information on when they expect more to arrive.

BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test - $14. Now available for shipping

On/go COVID-19 Antigen Self Test - $29.99. Only available for shipping online.

WHEN DO STORES GET IN MORE SHIPMENTS OF AT-HOME TESTS?

Stores are receiving at-home COVID-19 tests randomly. Walgreens’ stores on Troost and Roeland Park don’t know when they’ll get shipments with tests, while the CVS on 921 Main St. has at-home COVID tests in stock and doesn’t know when they’ll another shipment.

I HAVE AN AT-HOME COVID-19 TEST. WHAT DO I DO NOW?

First, look at the instructions on the box for your test.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Then, open the box and follow the instructions for collecting your own specimen. After you have the results, discard the specimen collection swab or tube and test in the trash, clean all surfaces that the specimen may have touched and wash your hands.

Here are a few tips for a successful test, according to the CDC:

  • Clean the surface where you will do the test.

  • Do not open test devices or other test components until you are ready to start the testing process.

  • Have a timer ready. You may need to time several of the test steps.

  • Read test results only within the amount of time listed on the instructions.

  • A result read before or after the specified time frame may be incorrect.

  • Don’t reuse test devices or other components.

WHAT IF I TESTED NEGATIVE?

A negative test result means the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in your sample and you may have a lower risk of transmitting the disease to others, according to the CDC.

If you took the test while you had symptoms and followed all instructions carefully, a negative result means your current illness is probably not COVID-19, though it does not rule out a COVID-19 infection.

It may also be a false negative. You could test negative if the sample was collected too early in your infection, meaning you could test positive later.

WHAT IF I TESTED POSITIVE?

If you tested positive you should stay home or isolate for 5 days and tell your healthcare provider about your positive test result. Also, tell those you’ve been in contact with about your positive test.

If your illness becomes severe or you have any trouble breathing, seek medical help. If you think your positive test result may be incorrect, contact a healthcare provider to determine whether additional testing is necessary.

WHAT IF IT SHOWS AN ERROR?

Invalid test results are rare but can occur and can happen for many reasons. Your sample may not have been collected correctly or the test may have malfunctioned. If this happens, refer to the instructions for use in the package insert and contact the manufacturer for assistance.

ARE AT HOME TESTS RELIABLE?

We wrote this guide breaking it down.

WHEN SHOULD I GET TESTED?

Ask yourself these questions.

WHERE ELSE CAN I FIND A COVID-19 TEST AROUND KANSAS CITY?

Here’s a list of local testing locations, a way to book last second test appointments at CVS and here are the places you can get a vaccine or booster around Kansas City.

What other questions do you have about omicron, testing or vaccines? Let us know at kcq@kcstar.com or with the form below.