(also known as self-tests or over-the-counter tests)

At-home rapid tests can be taken at home or anywhere, they're easy to use, and they produce quick results. You can use these tests regardless of vaccination status, whether or not you have symptoms, or if you have had a known or unknown exposure. 

When using rapid tests, the FDA recommends repeat testing following a negative result whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms. If you receive a positive result initially or after a repeat test, this means the test detected the SARS-CoV-2 virus and you most likely have COVID-19.

Consider using a self-test immediately before indoor gatherings, if you develop symptoms, or if you were exposed to someone with COVID (if you have been exposed but don’t have symptoms, wait 5 days before testing).

Make sure to carefully follow all of the manufacturer's instructions and expiration dates when performing the test. You can call 211 if you have any questions about interpreting test results, isolation guidance, or notifying close contacts.

Expiration dates: Many at-home test kit manufacturers have extended expiration dates. Visit the FDA’s list of authorized at-home test kits here to check if this applies to your at-home test.  

See a list of FDA-authorized at-home tests here. The Health Department has a small number of free rapid tests and has been distributing them in high-need areas where exposed individuals may not be able to access public testing sites. 

If you test positive for COVID-19 using an at-home test:

Please see our "What to do if you are sick" page for guidance. We are not collecting data on positive at-home tests. You do not need to report positive at-home tests to the health department. We will not issue letters for employers/schools/travel for at-home test results. If you will need proof of your positive test for work, school, or travel, please get a COVID-19 test from a provider. 

Where to get at-home rapid tests:

For everyone:

• Federal government: As of December 2022, every home in the US can order an additional 4 tests for free. Order at covid.gov/tests or call 1-800-232-0233 for help.
• Public libraries: Households are eligible to receive up to 5 free at-home test kits from participating libraries, while supplies last. 
• From the Health Department at 555 Towner in Ypsilanti. Anyone can walk in to the Health Department during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9-11am and from 1-4pm) to pick up free rapid tests. Up to six tests are available per household. Just walk up to the reception area and ask for tests.
  • Note: if you are currently testing positive for COVID-19 or if you have COVID-19 symptoms, please do not enter the building. Email [email protected] or call 734-544-6700 and we can arrange for someone to bring tests out to you with minimal contact. 

For everyone in Michigan:

• Every household in Michigan can request free at-home tests through Project ACT. Order online at https://accesscovidtests.org. Residents are able to request tests once per month through June 2023! 
  • Households can order once a month through June. Each order contains five tests. Those without internet access can call 211 for help ordering tests. 
  • Note for those who get tests through Project ACT: The FDA granted expiration date extensions for the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test. Please use the tool below to check the most updated expiration date of your kit: https://ihealthlabs.com/pages/news#expiration

For those with health insurance:

• If you have health insurance, most insurance plans will now cover the cost of over-the-counter, at-home tests (up to 8 at-home tests per month for each person on your plan) during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. After the Emergency ends on May 11, 2023, insurance providers may start charging for at-home tests. Please contact your insurance provider for more information.

For Michigan residents interested in a research study:

• A National Institutes of Health study called STOP COVID-19 may provide at-home test kits to participants. This is a twelve-week study that requires you to download a smartphone app and answer questionnaires. Some study participants will perform testing when prompted by the app. All the tests will be delivered to your doorstep. You could earn up to $100 in gift cards for your time. If you are interested in participating, please click here for more information and to join.

For people who are blind or have low vision: 

• Blind and low-vision people can order Ellume COVID home tests, which are more accessible than other options, through the federal government. Supplies of these tests are becoming limited, so people are asked to order these tests only if they do not have a way to use the other types of tests, such as assistive technology or a trusted family member or friend who can assist (in person or via video call). Learn more here and order here. 

The nationwide Test to Treat initiative provides quick access to free treatment for COVID-19. Through this program, people can get tested and – if they are positive and treatments are appropriate for them – receive a prescription from a health care provider, and have their prescription filled all at one location. 

These "One-Stop Test to Treat" sites are available at hundreds of locations nationwide, including pharmacy-based clinics, federally qualified health centers, and long-term care facilities. Search for a Test to Treat location here. 
 
A call center 1-800-232-0233 is available every day from 8:00 am to midnight ET to get help in more than 150 other languages. The Disability Information and Access Line is available to help people with disabilities access services. Call 1-888-677-1199, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm ET or email [email protected].

Note: beginning 5/29/23, this site will only be able to test people who have COVID-19 symptoms.

LynxDx offers drive-thru PCR testing for COVID-19. Tests are contactless and saliva-based (no nasal swabs required). This site tests people of all ages; however, testing children under age 5 is difficult. Testing is available with or without insurance. 

Pre-registration is required: lynxdx.health/register. Once you pre-register, you will be directed to schedule a time/date for your test. Please bring your driver’s license or state-issued ID card and insurance card, if you have one. 

Results are sent to your phone or email within 48 hours. If you haven't received an email with your results within 72 hours or have questions about this site, please email [email protected]. Please do not contact the Health Department for results from this testing site. 

• Ann Arbor site is open 7 days a week: 8am - 6pm Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; 10am-6pm Thursday; 8am-6pm Friday; 6am - 6pm Saturday; 2pm - 6pm Sunday. The drive thru is located at 2|42 Church parking lot on 648 S Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Please use the entrance with the sign “COVID Testing Today.” Follow the signs through the parking lot to join the end of the line. Operating times may vary on holidays, check here. 
• Testing deemed medically necessary will be covered by insurance and there should be no out-of-pocket fees for individuals needing testing. If you have insurance, LynxDx will submit a claim to your active health plan on your behalf ranging from $200 - $285. Many insurance providers have already waived copays for COVID-19 testing. 
• Uninsured individuals will not be turned away, but will be required to pay the Self Pay rate at the time of registration. For uninsured patients the Self Pay rate is $125.00. If you need help with getting insurance, we recommend contacting the Washtenaw Health Plan!
• See answers to frequently asked questions about these sites.

How can I get a free ride to a testing site?

If you need help with transportation to a COVID-related service, the "Vaccinate Washtenaw" program can help. This free transportation program can also be used for COVID-related travel including rides to get vaccinated, get a booster dose, pick up masks, or get a COVID test. Call 844-900-4892 and use the code “Vaccinate Washtenaw” to book. Open to anyone regardless of age or AARP membership. This program is supported by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, AARP [email protected] Program, and Feonix Mobility Rising. 

How can I get my test result?

You will be contacted when your results are available. Note that results sometimes take a bit longer than expected. Contact your primary care provider for results, or the health care facility where you got tested. We will not be able to provide you with test results.

The Washtenaw County Health Department is only notified of positive test results for Washtenaw County residents. We typically are not notified of negative results. If you do not live in Washtenaw County, we will not have your information - even if you took your test here. Contact the local health department where you live for help.

What should I do while waiting for my test result?

• Stay at home except to get medical care.
• Stay away from other people in your home.
  • Use a separate room and bathroom if possible.
  • Wear a mask if you go into shared spaces.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
• Call ahead before visiting a doctor. See our What to do if you’re sick page for information on managing symptoms and when to get medical care.
• Make a list of anyone you came in contact with 48 hours before your symptoms started, or since you were exposed.

What should I do if I test positive?

See our what to do if you’re sick page for information on what to do next.

Health Department staff may be in touch with you to connect you with needed resources during isolation and conduct contact tracing to make sure people you’ve had close contact with go into quarantine. Pick up the phone if we call you to help us slow the spread of COVID-19! We will NEVER ask you for social security, credit card, bank account, or immigration status information. Learn more about how contact tracing can help slow the spread of COVID-19.

What if I test negative?

A negative diagnostic test only means you were not infected on the day of the test. There have also been reports of false negatives. Continue to practice prevention measures to protect yourself and others, especially if you are feeling sick or had known exposure to COVID-19.

How can I get a letter saying I took a test, or that I tested positive/negative?

Contact your primary care provider for this information, or the health care facility where you got tested.

What about antibody or serology testing?

Antibody testing is not currently recommended to make health-based decisions on an individual basis (like returning to work). It is unclear if these tests are accurate or if they tell us anything about immunity to COVID-19. The Health Department does not recommend antibody testing at this time. If you do seek an antibody test, you should also get a diagnostic/PCR test.

Additional studies are needed to understand what antibody level, if any, would mean an individual is “immune” to COVID-19 disease - and for how long that immunity may last. If someone has antibodies, we don’t know if that means the person won’t get sick if exposed to someone infected with COVID-19. We also don’t know if it means they will - or won’t - be able to transmit the virus to someone else. Until we better understand the virus, we can’t rely on antibody testing to make individual return-to-work decisions.

You can also check with your health care provider for their perspective on use of antibody tests. 

These companies offer COVID-19 antibody testing. Note that we do not endorse these companies or recommend this testing; this information is provided as a reference.

• Ann Arbor Urgent Care
• Ascent Urgent Care
• Kroger Health pharmacies
• Michigan Urgent Care & Occupational Health - Ann Arbor
• Quest Diagnostics

See our diagnostic and antibody testing FAQs document (updated Oct 27, 2020).