Big news in March 2024: the FDA cleared the Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test by ACON Laboratories as the first over-the-counter rapid antigen test for home use. That approval allows adolescents and adults to buy and use the test without a prescription. This archive highlights what the approval means, how to use the test correctly, how to read results, and practical steps after testing.
Fast, accessible tests make it easier to find out if you might be contagious. A test you can use at home helps people decide whether to stay home, notify close contacts, or get a more sensitive PCR test. Removing the need for a prescription lowers the barrier for many families and workplaces to test quickly when symptoms appear or after exposure.
Always follow the kit instructions. Most kits use a shallow nasal swab. You will insert the swab, rotate it as directed, then mix it in the provided solution. Place the specified number of drops on the test cassette and wait the stated time before reading the result. If the kit includes a control line, confirm that the control appears; if it does not, the test is invalid and should be repeated with a new kit.
Test on a clean, flat surface with good light. Wash your hands before and after handling the kit. Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or brushing teeth for a short time before testing if the instructions advise it. If you have children, read the age guidance carefully and consider supervising or helping them follow the steps exactly.
A positive antigen result usually indicates an active infection and you should isolate and notify close contacts. Confirm with a PCR test when required for travel, work, or medical decisions. A negative result reduces the chance you are infected, but does not guarantee you are virus-free—especially early after exposure or when symptoms are present. In those cases, repeat the test after 24 to 48 hours or get a PCR test for more accurate detection.
Where to buy and cost notes: OTC tests like Flowflex are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and online. Prices vary by retailer and pack size. Some health programs or insurers may offer free tests or reimbursement; check local health department resources and insurance benefits.
Reporting and privacy: home tests are private, but some regions encourage reporting positive cases to public health authorities to help monitor outbreaks. If you work in healthcare, childcare, or other regulated settings, follow employer rules on testing and reporting.
We’ll keep tracking updates on availability, guidance changes, and new home-testing options. Bookmark this archive page to quickly find our March 2024 coverage and practical advice on using OTC COVID-19 tests at home. Check back often for updates, comparisons with other home tests, availability alerts, and user tips for safer testing at home and more.
In a significant healthcare milestone, the FDA has cleared the first over-the-counter rapid antigen COVID-19 test, the Flowflex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test by ACON Laboratories. Offering ease and efficiency, this test allows adolescents and adults to conduct self-tests, marking a pivotal moment in accessible COVID-19 diagnostics.
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