Free take-home COVID-19 test kits available locally

Iowans concerned they may have COVID-19 can now take a test in the comfort of their own home.

Test Iowa, the state's free COVID-19 testing program, has transitioned from offering COVID-19 testing at drive-through locations regionally to providing Iowans access to free, self-administered test kits. Locally, take-home testing kits will be available to pick up in Spencer Hospital's emergency department or at O'Brien County Public Health in Primghar. Completed kits will be sent to Iowa's State Hygienic Lab for results.

"The free home testing kits are an easy and affordable way for the Iowa Department of Public Health to continue providing COVID-19 testing for Iowans in need, especially those experiencing symptoms so they can seek treatment options," said Colette Rossiter, Clay County Public Health Coordinator. "Tests are also convenient for someone who is required to have a COVID-19 test for travel or other events."

Rossiter explained that each test kit includes step-by-step instructions. Also, once received, the person taking the test needs to go to the Test Iowa website to register their kit in order to receive test results.

"The instructions are detailed, yet sometimes human nature is to not read all the directions first," Rossiter cautioned. "We encourage people to first read all the instructions, before executing any of the steps."

Once all the steps are completed, the test kit should be dropped off at a local UPS site or UPS letterbox to be transported to the state hygienic lab. The person who registered the kit will receive an email with instructions to log on to a patient portal where the results will be listed. Once the specimen arrives at the state lab in Iowa City, it will be processed within 24 hours. Depending on transport time to Iowa City, plan on a 72-hour turn-around time.

Test Iowa at-home is a partnership between the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the State Hygienic Lab (SHL). The self-collected saliva test kits are authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization. More information can be found by visiting http://www.testiowa.com.

Current seven-day COVID-19 positivity rates remain low in both O'Brien and Clay counties, sitting at 2 percent and 6 percent, respectively. There has been one positive case in O'Brien County over the past week and three in Clay County.