As final testing sites in Iowa close, state announces at-home COVID-19 testing program

DES MOINES, Iowa (KWWL) — As the remaining drive-thru Test Iowa sites across the state close this week, the Iowa Department of Public Health has announced a free home COVID-19 testing program.

Since its launch in April 2020, Test Iowa has processed more than 636,000 COVID-19 tests, but the number of tests per month has decreased significantly due to the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines.

• April 2020: 1,765
• May 2020: 20.518
• June 2020: 58,914
• July 2020: 67,429
• August 2020: 61,519
• September 2020: 68,756
• October 2020: 83,791
• November 2020: 95,224
• December 2020: 67,624
• January: 43.332
• February: 27.198
• March: 22,778
• Apr: 15,544
• May (from 24-5): 2,260

Through Test Iowa at-home, a partnership between the IDPH and State Hygienic Lab, Iowans will receive a free test kit, collect a saliva sample at home, return the sample via UPS and receive the results by email. Starting Friday, Iowans can pick up a test kit from a site in their community or have a kit shipped to their home for free. Each test kit contains step-by-step instructions, including how to activate the test kit, collect the test sample, return the sample to the SHL, and when to expect results.

There are approximately 125 pick-up locations registered in the state. Test Iowa’s website will be updated to facilitate the test kit request process and will include a test kit location tool.

House-bound individuals have the option to request a package to be shipped to their home and have UPS pick up their sample. Results will be emailed approximately 24 hours after sample receipt by SHL. The self-collected saliva test kits are FDA-approved under an emergency use authorization.

The IDPH says the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and if you have any questions about the vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider.