At-Home RSV, COVID, and Flu Combination Test: Everything You Need to Know

Every year, as the temperature begins to drop, the winter season brings a new round of coughing, runny noses, and fevers. When you feel these symptoms, it’s natural to wonder if it’s the flu (influenza), RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), COVID-19, or all of the above. Or perhaps it’s something else.

These days, it’s easier than ever to answer this question. In previous years, you might have had to visit a healthcare professional to be tested. In May 2022, the FDA authorized the first at-home test that can detect the flu, RSV, and COVID.

This means that instead of going to a testing site or medical office to get tested, you can collect your own samples from the comfort of your home. What’s more, with this test, you won’t even need a prescription from your healthcare professional to do so.

What is the RSV, COVID, and flu combination test?

Currently, the Labcorp OnDemand COVID-19 + Flu + RSV Test is the only FDA-authorized home test for RSV, the flu, and COVID. 

The test is a multi-analyte panel, or multiplex assay. This means that instead of taking separate samples for each virus, you only need to take one sample to check for all three. Since COVID, the flu, and RSV have many of the same symptoms, the test can help you figure out which virus is to blame.

You will get a positive or negative result for each virus. So you can figure out whether your symptoms are due to one of the viruses or a combination of two or more of the viruses. 

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Who should use a combination RSV, flu, and COVID test kit?

The COVID, flu, and RSV combination test is available for anyone ages 2 years and older. You have to be able to collect a good nasal sample to get the best accuracy. Adults can collect their own sample, and adults should supervise teens 14 to 17 years old. Adults should collect samples for children ages 2 to 13 years old.

The at-home test kit is a good tool for otherwise healthy people who have mild symptoms common to RSV, flu and COVID, such as: 

• Fever

• Tiredness

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Cough

• Sore throat

Most infections go away on their own. And over-the-counter medications can relieve symptoms. 

But if you’re wondering whether you need treatment, this test can help you work through your treatment options.

For example, prescription medications are available to treat the flu and COVID. On the other hand, treatment of mild to moderate RSV typically focuses on relieving symptoms. 

Who should not use at-home RSV, COVID, and flu combination tests?

Contact a healthcare professional for guidance on testing if you have any of the following: 

• Moderate to severe respiratory symptoms

• A weakened immune system

• An existing lung or heart condition

Testing at home may seem like the right thing to do, but it could give false reassurance and delay you getting the help you need. Instead, let a healthcare professional make the decision. They may want to see you in person or have a virtual visit to provide the best care for you.

How does the COVID, flu, and RSV combination test work?

Your test kit will include instructions. Here are the main steps:

• Wash your hands and collect your sample with the swab in the kit.

• Write down the date and time that you collected your sample on the test kit paperwork. Otherwise, the lab may reject your sample. 

• After collecting your sample, use the prepaid packaging to send the kit back to Labcorp.

Pixel is not a rapid test. This test uses a technique called “reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction,” or RT-PCR. PCR tests are typically very good at detecting infection. They use RNA to identify the genetic material of a virus in a sample. With multi-analyte panels, the PCR test looks for a match with the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, or COVID), influenza A or B (flu), and RSV.

How long does this home test take?

Once Labcorp receives your sample, it takes about 1 to 2 days to get your results. 

Does the combination test kit detect variants?

The combination test is designed to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B, and RSV. But if the results are positive for SARS-CoV-2, it does not specifically identify which variant is present.

According to Labcorp, the test can detect known SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron. Today, Omicron subvariants are estimated to make up most of the COVID cases in the U.S. But the company doesn’t provide specific information on the sensitivity of its PCR test against current subvariants, such as XEC and KP.3.1.1.

What does a negative test result mean?

If your results come back negative, this means the test did not detect viral genetic material in your sample. It’s possible that you could get a false-negative result. Perhaps you tested too early in your illness or you did not get a good enough sample. If your symptoms continue, consider testing again and calling a healthcare professional for guidance.

No matter your test result, practice good infection prevention while you have symptoms. This includes keeping distance from others, especially those with weaker immune systems, the very young, and older adults.

What does a positive test result mean?

If your results come back positive, it means that the viral genetic material was detected in your sample. Because the COVID, flu, and RSV combination test is a PCR test, it’s very unlikely to test positive and not have the infection (a false positive).

If your test comes back positive for any of the three viruses, it’s very likely you’re infected with the virus or viruses indicated on the result. Contact a healthcare professional for next steps, which may include self-care or prescription treatment. In the meantime, since you’re probably contagious, self-isolate to avoid spreading the virus to others. 

Where can you get a COVID, flu, and RSV combination test?

You can order the test directly from the manufacturer’s website. It’s known as an “on-demand” test, which means that you don’t need a prescription from your healthcare professional to order the test.

This test currently costs $129. Labcorp does not bill health insurance for their on-demand tests. You will need to pay the $129 cost upfront. Then, you can work with your benefits provider to figure out if and how you could be reimbursed.

If you have a health savings account (HSA), you may be able to use those funds to cover the cost of the at-home test. To figure out if the combination test is an eligible expense, work with your benefits provider. 

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Written by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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