Free Rapid At-Home Testing

[Aloha_Shooter]

https://covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-testing-at-home

Colorado is letting people order Binax At-Home rapid test kits. This is probably going to be pretty expensive for the state in the long run but at first blush, I think it's a good thing to give people peace-of-mind over possible encounters.

I would like the program to have an automatic sunset with a forced decision by legislature and state department of health to extend by 3- or 6-month increments but otherwise it seems to me this is something we need to get past the fear porn.

[theGinsue]

As a "Pure Blood", I've recently been required to provide proof of weekly testing.

I was notified of the requirement too late to receive standard testing and submit the results by the deadline so a coworker provided me with a Binax At-Home Test to use (as he did). My Program Manager informed my coworker that this test would only be allowed this 1 time - after that all tests needed to be from an established testing center taken within 72 hours of submitting the results (which means every Saturday, like yesterday, I will be needing to get tested).

Anyone considering ordering these tests needs to be aware of the process. When you initiate the process at the link above you think you're done - nope. I used the link above on Monday then yesterday (Saturday) I received an email with additional requirements (see below). Once I completed those requirements my order was complete.

I'll update this post once I receive the tests (4 tests in a box) to give everyone an idea of the time involved from initial action to test receipt.

Hello,

Thank you for enrolling in the State of Colorado?s COVID Testing Rapid at Home program! In 24 hours, you will be able to go to our online portal (https://covidathometesting.colorado.gov/) and order your first kit of tests. The test kit will be shipped directly to your home. The kit includes four tests. Test kits will not be sent to you on an automatically recurring basis.

To get started, click this link in 24 hours (https://covidathometesting.colorado.gov/) and fill out the following information:

Your organization name
Your role
Colorado mailing address
Email address

Please review this document for test logistics and ordering information. Additional information and resources can be found on our website. Please review this document once you have your COVID-19 test result:

Rapid At-Home Antigen Test_ What To Do

Overall, using the tests was relatively easy, BUT the instructions are very precise in how you perform the test. If you want an accurate test, READ & FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY. With reading the instructions, etc. the entire process took me about 1/2 hour (give or take). ETA: Now that I know HOW to perform the test, per instructions, any follow-on tests I may take should only take about 15-20 minutes.


ETA (20211128/2220L):
Received the shipment notification for my At-Home Tests - should be here by Tuesday. Attached the content of the shipping notification (with a minor adjustment to the "Ship To" info)

[mahabali]

Thanks for posting. I filled out the form days ago, but have still not received the email link to actually order the tests.

[theGinsue]

I don't know if these have any sort of shelf life but as Aloha_Shooter said, having them on hand can offer piece of mind if you expect you were exposed. Be aware that it could take a couple/few days after exposure to actually get a positive result (which is why there are 4 tests in an order).

Given that the State is giving these away, I suspect the program won't last too long (at least the "free" part) and they may become out-of-stock quickly. If you're interested at all, I recommend you order these as soon as you can.

Thank you to Aloha_Shooter for providing this information to the community.

[Grant H.]

My current, but soon to be ex, employer is requiring that all "Pure Bloods" enter the building via one specific entrance, test daily, and wear a mask 100% of the time no matter current state/local mandates. The tainted ones can enter/leave through any door. No mask if not required by state/local mandates.

They are using the Binax test, but decided to not put the instructions there.

As Ginsue said, the timing and details of the test for an "accurate" test are pretty extensive and precise. Get to sit there and stare at any others testing like "unclean lepers" for 15-20 minutes.

[eddiememphis]

It says you are required to report the result?

[fitz19d]

Pure blood reporting in.

I think the correct terminology for the others is Mudblood. Extra triggers Harry potter fans.

I wish my federal mandate had a testing out.

[sampson]

It says you are required to report the result?

To who?

[eddiememphis]

To who?

Step 5: Report your test results to public health.
Report your positive results and recent close contacts to public health to ensure you and your
contacts receive the most up-to-date recommendations and resources, like testing and
monoclonal antibody therapy.
● To report your positive test result to public health, go to
covidbinax.colorado.gov/login and select test type ?At-home antigen - self reported?
(see image below) to report your positive test result.

[Ramsker]

I picked up a few of the Binax tests at Walgreens. I think it was about $25 per box and there are 2 kits per box, if you are buying out of pocket. The instructions are definitely specific . . . have to do things a certain way in a certain order and for a certain amount of time. But it's pretty simple once you do it the first time. My son had to test because one of his coworkers tested positive. I tested myself twice in the last week because I caught a cold and just wanted to make sure it wasn't COVID . . . both times negative.