Walgreens to Sell Abbott’s OTC COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test

Walgreens will begin selling Abbott’s self-administered OTC COVID-19 test, BinaxNOW Rapid Antigen Self Test, in stores nationwide, according to a company announcement.

After first receiving approval for professional use in August 2020, Abbott received authorization on March 31, 2021 for the test’s non-prescription, asymptomatic use in the detection of COVID-19 infection. Individuals can self-administer the test collection using a short nasal swab and check test results in 15 minutes. According to its instructions for use, individuals should test themselves twice with at least 36 hours between tests.

The test is indicated for use in children as young as 2 years old when samples are collected by an adult and for all individuals aged 15 years and older for self-administration.

“Even as vaccines become more widely available, COVID-19 testing remains a critical tool to keep our communities safe,” John Standley, president of Walgreens, said in a statement. “The addition of this over-the-counter test in-store will help ensure our customers have access to testing solutions when and how they need it—at home or at 1 of our conveniently located testing sites. Working with Abbot and other partners, Walgreens now offers the most comprehensive suite of COVID-19 diagnostic testing options in America, helping encourage consistent, widespread testing.”

Beginning this week, the test will be available in Walgreens stores for $23.99. It will be available for purchase in-store, for curbside pick-up, and same day delivery.

Reference

1. Walgreens Makes Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Self Test Available Over-The-Counter at Stores Nationwide. News release. Walgreens; April 19, 2021. Accessed April 19, 2021. https://news.walgreens.com/press-releases/walgreens-makes-abbotts-binaxnow-covid-19-self-test-available-over-counter-at-stores-nationwide.htm