Where to Buy the Lucira At-Home Flu and COVID Test Kit

Purchasing the Lucira At-Home Flu and COVID-19 Test Kit

The Lucira at-home flu and COVID-19 test kit is the first rapid combination test authorized by the FDA that can detect and differentiate between influenza A, influenza B, and SARS-CoV-2 viral infections from one nasal swab sample. This convenient test kit can be purchased directly from Lucira or through select major retailers.

About the Lucira Flu and COVID-19 Test

The Lucira test is a molecular single-use at-home test kit that uses a nasal swab to check for active influenza A, influenza B, and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) viral infections. It uses PCR technology to detect the genetic material of these viruses and provide results in 30 minutes or less.

The easy-to-use portable test kit connects with the Lucira mobile app using Bluetooth technology to walk users through the simple nasal swab collection process and display test results clearly on their smartphone.

Benefits of the Lucira Test

Benefits of the Lucira at-home flu and COVID test include:

• Detects influenza A, influenza B, and COVID-19 from one nasal sample
• Rapid results in 30 minutes or less
• Easy self-administered nasal swab collection
• Connects to a smartphone app for clear digital results
• No lab drop-off required
• Ideal for quick testing when flu or COVID-19 symptoms develop

Accuracy of the Lucira Test

Clinical studies submitted to the FDA showed the Lucira COVID-19 test correctly identified 89% of positive samples and 99% of negative samples. For influenza, it correctly identified 84% of influenza A samples and 96% of influenza B samples.

While not perfect, it can provide a convenient at-home screening to determine if flu or COVID-19 could be the cause of acute respiratory symptoms before seeking confirmatory lab-based molecular testing if needed.

Where to Buy the Lucira At-Home Test Kit

The Lucira at-home flu and COVID test kit can be purchased through Lucira directly or at select major retailers in the United States.

Buy Directly from Lucira

Lucira offers direct purchase of the test kits to consumers via their website at Lucirahealth.com. Customers can buy a single test kit containing one test or a two-pack containing two individual tests.

The current direct pricing includes:

• Single test kit: $75
• Two-test kit: $150

Lucira also offers discounted subscription plans for households wanting to stock up on multiple tests over time. Subscription pricing includes:

• Four tests shipped every 90 days for $255
• Eight tests shipped every 90 days for $450

Lucira provides free standard shipping on all orders. Expedited and overnight shipping are also available at an added cost.

Buy at Major Retailers

In addition to direct e-commerce purchasing, Lucira has partnered with select major retailers to carry the test kits in stores and online. Currently, the Lucira test is available at the following national retailers:

• Kroger and affiliates (like Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, etc)
• Albertsons and affiliates (like Safeway, Jewel-Osco, etc)
• Meijer
• CVS

The test kits are usually stocked in the pharmacy section of these stores. Prices may vary slightly by retailer but tend to be in line with the pricing on Lucira's website.

Check Availability

Supply of the test kits may fluctuate in stores or online as demand changes. Check with your local retailers or their websites ahead of time to confirm availability.

Lucira's website also includes a store locator map to find retailers near your location that should have the test kits in stock.

How to Use the Lucira At-Home Test

The Lucira at-home flu and COVID-19 test kit provides results in around 30 minutes from a self-collected nasal swab sample. The process includes:

1. Download the Lucira CHECK-IT mobile app
2. Register the test kit by scanning QR code in app
3. Watch instruction video in the app
4. Collect nasal swab sample
5. Insert sample swab into test unit
6. Connect test unit to app via Bluetooth
7. Get results in app in 30 minutes or less

The app provides step-by-step guidance and timers to walk you through the entire process from sample collection to getting your results.

Interpreting Results

The Lucira app will clearly display whether SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), influenza A, influenza B, or no influenza/COVID was detected. Possible result combinations include:

• COVID-19 positive
• Influenza A positive
• Influenza B positive
• COVID-19 and influenza A positive
• COVID-19 and influenza B positive
• Influenza A and B positive
• Negative for all targets

The app explains what each result means and provides recommendations on confirmatory testing and next steps if needed.

Benefits of At-Home Testing

Testing for flu and COVID-19 at home using kits like Lucira offers many benefits including:

Convenience

At-home testing means no traveling to a lab or pharmacy. Results are delivered directly to your smartphone.

Quick Results

Know if you have the flu, COVID-19, or both within 30 minutes instead of waiting days.

Early Detection

Frequent routine testing quickly identifies infection before severe symptoms start.

Early Treatment

Detecting flu or COVID-19 early allows faster access to appropriate treatment options.

Curb Transmission

Identifying infection early helps limit spread to others by prompt isolation/quarantine.

Self-Collection

Collect your own nasal sample comfortably at home instead of an uncomfortable deep nasal swab.

Avoid Exposure

Test conveniently at home rather than visiting a potentially contagious public testing site.

Limitations of At-Home Influenza and COVID-19 Testing

While at-home test kits offer many advantages, some limitations to consider include:

Not 100% Accurate

No test is perfect. Rapid at-home tests have lower sensitivity than lab PCR tests and may miss some very early or low viral load infections.

Single Snapshot

Results only represent infection at the specific time of testing. Repeat testing is needed to monitor virus over time.

Upfront Costs

Although cheaper than lab tests, at-home tests require out-of-pocket purchase costs not covered by all insurance plans.

Self-Interpretation

Test users must understand the meaning of results. Incorrect interpretation could lead to inappropriate medical decisions.

Self-Reporting

Positive tests identified at home may not be reported to public health officials, limiting data capture and response coordination.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.