Can I Test Myself for the Coronavirus at Home?

Right now, there is no at-home test that can tell you if you have COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus. Some companies are working on developing home testing kits for widespread use.

But a medical provider may be able to test you, depending on your symptoms , other risk factors, and whether you’ve been exposed to the virus.

Here’s what to do if you think you need to be tested:

1. Call your doctor, clinic, or hospital first and let them know you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms.
2. Tell them if you are older than 60 or have another health condition, like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer.
3. Be ready to describe your symptoms and if you think you’ve been exposed to the virus.

Your doctor or hospital will then give you instructions on what you need to do next. They could include going to a clinic, going to a drive-thru test location, or staying at home away from other people to avoid spreading the disease.