NORTH CAROLINA — As of Wednesday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human services is expanding the availability of at-home COVID-19 test kits.

North Carolina residents can receive a Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 PCR Test Home Collection Kit shipped overnight to their homes for free. According to a press release from the NCDHHS, the kit is a molecular test that detects the presence or absence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

What You Need To Know

  • NCDHHS is making at-home COVID-19 test kits available to all N.C. residents over 18

  • The kits can be shipped to your home at no cost

  • The test kits can be used on those 2 years old and up

  • Several community partners are available to assist those with symptoms or who need additional help

The test can be used on people age 2 and up. N.C. residents 18 and older can request a kit online or through community partner organizations. If you are a parent or guardian, you can request a kit for residents aged 2 through 17.

If you are symptomatic or need additional assistance requesting a kit, you can use one of these community partners:

  • Stevens Center (Lee and Harnett County)
  • Haywood Vocational Opportunities Inc. (Haywood County)
  • Martin Enterprises (Martin County)
  • Disability Advocacy Center (Guilford, Alamance, Caswell, Randolph and Rockingham Counties)

As more partners are added, they will be listed here. 

According to NCDHHS, included in the test kit is a nasal swab and sample container, use instructions and prepaid shipping materials for the specimen to be tested in a lab. Results should be available within 24 to 48 hours, and are accessible via the Pixel by Labcorp website.

The Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 PCR Test Home Collection Kit has not been FDA approved, but has been authorized for emergency use by the FDA under an EUA, and has been authorized only for the detection of COVID-19.