Free at home test kits are now available at the Health Department!
Who is eligible for the no-cost collection kit program?
Residents 18 and older can request a test collection kit for themselves online or through several community partner organizations. Parents or guardians of residents under 18 can request a test collection kit for those aged 2-17.
Please note: At home test kits may not be used for re-entry into Cumberland County School District. Test kits may not be used to end isolation early if you have tested positive for COVID-19. Learn more about steps to take after COVID-19 testing.
There are two types of at home test kits available, while supplies last
Two types of common tests are PCR and rapid antigen tests. COVID-19 PCR tests detect the genetic material (RNA) that is specific to COVID-19. A PCR test can detect the virus within days of infection and is generally more sensitive than a rapid antigen test, especially for people who are not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. PCR test results can take 1-3 days as the tests are analyzed in a laboratory, but results can be done in as little as 24 hours.
COVID-19 rapid antigen tests work to detect proteins that are specific to the virus that causes COVID-19 and do not typically need to be sent to a lab to be analyzed. People with COVID-19 symptoms and a negative COVID-19 antigen test should get a PCR test to confirm the negative results.
Learn more about COVID-19 diagnostic tests from the CDC and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
How the Ellume Rapid Antigen Test Works
- Pick up your COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit at the Health Department, 1235 Ramsey Street, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with no appointment required. Limit of two kits per person.
- Download and open the free Ellume COVID-19 Home Test app on your smartphone.
- Answer the questions on app and watch an informational video.
- Perform the test in 7 easy steps.
- Receive your result in 15 minutes.
Results and required data are automatically reported to health authorities through a secure encrypted, HIPAA compliant, cloud connection.
How the Pixel PCR Test Works in 4 Steps
- Pick up your COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit at the Health Department, 1235 Ramsey Street, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with no appointment required. Limit of two kits per person.
- You can also a request an at home collection kit online. Go to www.pixel.labcorp.com/nc and follow the instructions to request your at-home collection kit. Once requested, your kit will be mailed to you via FedEx overnight shipping.
- Register your kit and collect your sample. Carefully follow the instructions included in your collection kit. These instructions will tell you how to register your kit online and use the swab provided to collect your sample that will be tested.
- Mail your sample back to the lab. Use the prepaid shipping envelope included in your collection kit to mail your sample back to the lab.
- Check your results. Using your secure Pixel by Labcorp account you made in Step 1, check your test results. The results will typically be available 1-2 days after the sample arrives at the lab.
For more information visit the NC DHHS website.