At-Home Rapid COVID Testing

How can I get a free at-home COVID test kit?

Baltimore City Health Department is distributing COVID test kits through several pathways:

Beginning September 25th test kits can be ordered for free from the federal government at covid.gov/tests
Test kits are available at some Enoch Pratt Free Library locations. Test kits are available during operating hours of the libraries, while supplies last. You can see a list of which branches have kits available here:
Some Maryland Food Bank sites distribute kits during their food distribution events. Find a location near you here.
Harford, Zeta, and Sandtown Senior Centers.
The Health Department’s Syringe Services Program
Through Community Based Organizations.

At all locations, test kits are available in limited quantities, on a first-come-first-served basis.

What are self-tests?

Self-tests also called home tests or over-the-counter tests, are COVID-19 tests that can be taken anywhere and produce rapid results.

These tests are often sold or given directly to individuals and can be used by people at their homes, or any location. They do not need to be performed in a doctor’s office or COVID testing site.

The results are ‘rapid’ or available right away. No samples need to be sent to a lab.

More information on self-tests can be found here:

What types of self-tests does Baltimore City Health Department distribute?

Currently, Baltimore City is distributing one of four brands of self-tests: Abbot BinaxNow, Acon FlowFlex, DiaTrust Celltrion, and iHealth.

All four of these tests are rapid antigen tests that can be done at home by individuals.

All four of these tests can be used for people with and without symptoms, regardless of vaccination status.

More information on each test, including instructions on how to use them and links to videos on how to use them, are below.

	Type of At-Home Test
	Acon FlowFlex	Abbot BinaxNow	DiatTrust Celltrion	iHealth
Type of test	Rapid Antigen test	Rapid Antigen test	Rapid Antigen Test	Rapid Antigen Test
What ages can use this test?	14 years or older Test kit can be used for children as young a 2 years old when samples are collected by an adult	15 years or older Test kit can be used for children as young as 2 years old when samples are collected by an adult	14 years or older	Test kit can be used for children as young as 2 years old when samples are collected by an adult
Sample collection	Nose swab at front of the nose	Nose swab at front of the nose	Nose swab at middle of nose	Nose swab at front of nose
How long does it take for results to be ready	15 minutes	15 minutes	15 minutes	15 minutes
How many kits are in each box?	1 kit per box	2 kits per box	2 kits per box	2 kits per box
How do I use the kits in someone with symptoms of COVID-19?	Best used within 7 days of when symptoms started	Best used within 7 days of when symptoms started	Best used within 7 days of when symptoms started	Best used within 7 days of when symptoms started
How do I use the kits in someone without symptoms of COVID-19?	Only 1 kit is needed. Repeat testing, or serial testing, is not needed for FlowFlex	Use twice over 3 days, with at least 24 hours and no more than 48 hours between tests. (Use one card on day 1, and the second card on day 3.)	Use twice over 3 days, with at least 24 hours and no more than 48 hours between tests. (Use one card on day 1, and the second card on day 3.)	Use twice over 2 days, with at least 24 hours and no more than 48 hours between tests. (Use one card on day 1, and the second card on day 2 or 3).

Expiration Dates

Check the expiration date on your test kit.
Some manufacturers have extended expiration dates. To find the most up to date information, check the manufacturers website:

Who should use a self-test?

You can use a self-test if you have any COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Even if you don’t have symptoms or have not been exposed to COVID-19, using a self-test before gathering indoors with others can give you information about the risk of spreading COVID-19. This is especially important before gathering with unvaccinated children, older individuals, those who are immunocompromised, or individuals at risk of severe disease.

The test kit is designed for personal use only. If you need a documented result for travel, employment, return to school, or other purposes, you should verify whether or not this test will satisfy the testing requirement.

Please be aware of the expiration date on the test kit.

What is the difference between at-home tests and other COVID tests?

Most self-tests are rapid antigen tests. A Rapid Antigen test looks for certain proteins of the virus, which help determine if someone is infectious, or likely to transmit the virus to others.

A PCR test looks for the genetic material of the virus. It is the best test for a highly accurate diagnosis.

Find out more information on the different types of testing.

Where can I get a PCR test?

Find out where you can get a PCR test

What should I do if I test positive?

A positive test result indicates you likely are infected with COVID-19, regardless of your vaccination status. Even if you have no symptoms and feel well, you should assume you are contagious. Next steps:

1. ISOLATE at home. Stay away from others for a minimum of 5 days, and wear a mask when around others for at least a total of 10 days.

2. Contact your healthcare provider. Seek follow-up care from your healthcare provider as soon as possible, as you may need additional testing and treatment. Monitor your symptoms and if you have emergency warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

3. Answer the call. If you are called by contact tracers and see “MD COVID” on your phone, answer the call. More information about COVID can be found here

What should I do if I test negative?

If your test is the Abbott BinaxNOW™, you should use the second test in your kit to test again at least 24 hours, and no longer than 48 hours, after the first test. If your test is the Flowflex™ test, you do not need to take another test in 1-2 days.

A negative result means the virus that causes COVID-19 is not found in your specimen. It likely means that you do not have COVID-19 if you took the test while you had symptoms and followed all instructions carefully.

However, it is possible for a test to give a negative result in some people who have COVID-19 (this is called a false negative). You could also test negative if the specimen was collected too early in your infection. In this case, you could test positive later during your illness.