Can You Test for RSV at Home? Your Guide to the Combo Mail-Order Flu, COVID, and RSV Test

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 altogether.

In previous years, you might have had to visit a healthcare professional to be tested. But now you can easily self test at home for COVID and flu. And, in May 2022, the FDA authorized the first at-home test that can detect the flu, COVID, and RSV — all from one sample. The catch? You still have to mail it to a laboratory for processing. 

What is the at home 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’ll 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. 

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

The home COVID, flu, and RSV combination test kit is available for anyone ages 2 and older. You have to be able to collect a good nasal sample to get the best accuracy. You can collect your own sample if you’re over age 18. Here’s what adults should do for teens and kids:

• Supervise those ages 14 to 17 

• Collect samples for those ages 2 to 13 

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 (OTC) medications can relieve symptoms. 

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

For example, antiviral 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 the at-home RSV, COVID, and flu combination test kit?

Testing for COVID, flu, and RSV at home may seem like the right thing to do. But waiting around for your test results could mean delays in getting the help you need. This could be especially risky for people who are more likely to get very sick from RSV, flu, and COVID, including:

• Older adults (ages 65 and up) 

• People with a weak immune system

• People with underlying health conditions, like heart or lung problems

• People who aren’t up-to-date on vaccinations

And, be aware: To be effective, antiviral medications for flu and COVID must be started quickly. For flu, this means starting medication within 1 to 2 days of your symptoms first appearing. For COVID, it’s within 5 to 7 days. So, if you might need an antiviral drug, waiting for mail-away test results isn’t the best choice. 

How does the COVID, flu, and RSV combination test kit 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 isn’t 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 following: 

• Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, or COVID)

• Influenza A or B (flu)

• 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 different COVID variants?

Yes. According to Labcorp, the test can detect known SARS-CoV-2 (COVID) variants, including Delta and Omicron.

What does a negative test result mean?

A “negative” result means the test didn’t find any viral genetic material in your sample. This means you probably don’t have COVID, the flu, or RSV. 

It’s possible that you could get a “false-negative” result. This means the test is negative, even when you actually do have a viral infection. Perhaps you tested too early in your illness, or you didn’t 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?

A “positive” result means the test detected viral genetic material in your sample. This means you have COVID, the flu, or RSV. The COVID, flu, and RSV combination test is a PCR test. So, it’s very unlikely that you’ll test positive and not have the infection (a false positive).

Again: 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 kit?

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 a healthcare professional to order the test.

This test currently costs $129. Labcorp doesn’t bill health insurance for its on-demand tests. You’ll 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.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. A pulmonologist and hospitalist, she practiced and taught clinical medicine at hospitals in London for a decade before entering a career in health education and technology.

Reviewed by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

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