Local Safeway, Albertsons now selling at-home COVID tests
A new at-home kit, available through the local Safeway and Albertsons, will enable locals to conduct a saliva test to determine whether or not they have COVID-19.
The hospital-white box looks small and sterile and altogether unassuming, but its contents have introduced a new wrinkle in locals’ abilities to self-administer testing for COVID-19.
Albertsons and Safeway in Coeur d’Alene now carry at-home COVID-19 test kits. The kits — produced and distributed by Phosphorus Diagnostics headquartered out of New York City, with its lab based in Seacaucus, N.J. — could act as a substitute for the doctor-driven referral process that shaped the early days of coronavirus testing.
“Customers appreciate the convenience and innovation of taking the test from their own home,” said Dan Salemi, group vice president of Albertsons’ pharmacy division. “The saliva test is easy to use and comfortable.
The saliva tests have a turnaround time of about 72 hours, according to a statement from Phosphorus, this after receiving emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration.
Those looking to purchase the kits — which run for $139.99 — should visit scheduletest.com to complete a medical questionnaire, after which the Safeway or Albertsons pharmacist will order the test. People can then conduct the saliva test and send the specimen to the Phosphorus lab, where they will then be notified of the results.
Albertsons and Phosphorus representatives alike said they are hopeful the introduction of the product will help alleviate pressure on the health care system.
“Easy, accessible testing is key to containing the spread of the virus," said Alex Bisignano, co-founder and CEO of Phosphorus.
“It’s really another tool in the toolbox,” said Tairsa Worman, public affairs manager for Safeway. “What’s nice is, they don’t have to be used right away. If you bought it, you could use it if you need to, or you could use it months down the road. It’s more of a convenience in that regard.”
Insurance companies have not yet authorized billing for the kits, meaning people would pay out-of-pocket up front, though people can submit receipts to their insurance companies to try to recoup the costs.