Navigating the availability of at-home COVID-19 tests can be crucial, especially when you’re experiencing symptoms or have been exposed. If you’re wondering, “Does Family Dollar Sell Covid Tests?”, you’re in the right place to find out. This guide will provide you with information on where to find COVID tests, including whether Family Dollar is a viable option, and what you need to know about using at-home rapid antigen tests effectively.
Finding COVID Tests at Family Dollar and Other Retailers
Many people are turning to local stores for quick access to COVID-19 tests. Family Dollar, known for its accessibility and affordability, is indeed one of the retailers where you might find these essential health tools. While availability can vary by location and stock, Family Dollar stores often carry at-home COVID-19 antigen tests. It’s always a good idea to check with your local Family Dollar store directly, either by calling or visiting their website if they have local store information available online, to confirm if they currently have COVID tests in stock.
Besides Family Dollar, you can also find at-home COVID tests at a variety of other retailers, including:
- Drugstores: Chains like Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid are common places to purchase these tests.
- Supermarkets: Many grocery stores and larger supermarket chains also stock at-home COVID test kits.
- Big Box Retailers: Stores such as Walmart and Target are reliable options for finding COVID tests.
- Online Retailers: Amazon and other online platforms offer a wide selection of COVID tests that can be delivered to your home.
When looking for tests at any of these locations, including Family Dollar, it’s helpful to know what types of tests are available and recommended.
Understanding At-Home Rapid Antigen COVID Tests
The tests typically found at Family Dollar and similar retailers are rapid antigen tests. These tests are designed for quick results and can be easily administered at home. Here’s what you should understand about using them effectively:
How They Work: Rapid antigen tests detect specific proteins from the COVID-19 virus in your nasal sample. They provide results within minutes, usually 10-15 minutes, making them a convenient option for quick detection.
When to Use Them: According to guidelines from health organizations like the FDA and CDC, the timing of your test is important for accuracy.
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms: And you initially test negative, it’s recommended to take another test. The FDA advises taking at-home antigen COVID tests at least twice over three days, with 48 hours between each test. This is because if you test too early in an infection, the virus levels might be too low to detect, leading to a false negative result.
- If you don’t have symptoms but have been exposed: For individuals without symptoms, especially after attending gatherings or potential exposure events, the FDA recommends testing at least three times over five days, again with at least 48 hours between tests.
Interpreting Your Test Results:
- Negative Result: If you test negative but are experiencing symptoms, it’s crucial to retest, as mentioned above. It’s possible the infection is still in its early stages. If you continue to test negative but symptoms persist, they might be related to another illness.
- Positive Result: A positive result on a rapid antigen test is a good indicator that you have COVID-19. It’s advised to verify a positive result with another test to confirm. If both tests are positive, you should follow CDC guidelines, which include isolating for at least five days and wearing a mask around others for an additional five days. Contacting your healthcare provider for advice on treatment options is also recommended, especially if you are at higher risk for severe illness.
An image of the Abbott BinaxNow Rapid Antigen Self-Test kit box, highlighting its availability at Walgreens, Walmart, and CVS, emphasizing retail accessibility for COVID-19 home testing.
- Invalid Result: Sometimes, a test may show an invalid result, meaning the test did not work correctly. This could be due to user error or a problem with the test itself. If this happens, and your kit includes a second test, use the second one. If not, you will need to purchase a new test kit.
Recommended At-Home COVID Test Brands
While Family Dollar’s stock may vary, knowing some of the reliable brands of at-home COVID tests can help you make an informed decision when purchasing, whether at Family Dollar or another store. Here are a few brands that are well-regarded and often available:
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Abbott BinaxNow Antigen Rapid Self-Test Kit: This test is known for providing results in 15 minutes and has a companion app, Navica, for result tracking. It typically includes two tests per box and is widely available at drugstores and retailers like Walmart and CVS.
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QuickVue At-Home OTC Covid-19 Test Kit: QuickVue is another user-friendly option that requires a nasal swab and provides results in 10 minutes. It’s recognized for its clear visual results – blue and pink lines for positive, and only a blue line for negative. Like BinaxNow, it usually comes with two tests per kit and can be found at CVS and Walmart.
A product shot of the QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test Kit, advertised for sale at CVS and Walmart, demonstrating its retail presence for convenient home-based virus detection.
- Intrivo Diagnostics On/Go Antigen Self-Test: The On/Go test stands out due to its associated mobile app, which guides users through the testing process and helps interpret results. It also provides a digital confirmation of results. It generally includes two tests per box, with single packs also available.
Close-up of the Intrivo On/Go Antigen Self-Test kit packaging, emphasizing the connected app feature for guided testing, highlighting ease of use for home COVID-19 detection.
- InteliSwab Rapid Antigen Home Test Kit: InteliSwab uses a unique flat pad for swabbing and requires a longer wait time of 30-40 minutes for results. It’s available at retailers like Walmart.
Image of the InteliSwab Rapid Antigen Home Test Kit box, indicating its availability at Walmart, showcasing a retail option for longer wait-time home COVID testing.
- FlowFlex Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test: FlowFlex is often sold as a single test kit, though 5-packs are also available. Initially, it was recognized by the FDA as needing only a single test, but current guidelines recommend repeat testing. It’s known for its compact packaging and ease of use.
A box of FlowFlex COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test, highlighting retailers like CVS, Rite Aid, Amazon, and Target, suggesting diverse purchasing locations for this brand of home COVID test.
Conclusion
So, does Family Dollar sell COVID tests? Yes, Family Dollar is likely to carry at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, offering a convenient and accessible option for purchasing these essential health tools. However, availability can vary, so it’s always best to check with your local store. Regardless of where you purchase your test, understanding how to use these tests correctly and interpret the results is key to effectively managing your health and protecting others. By being informed about testing guidelines and available brands, you can confidently navigate at-home COVID testing.
