Tell Me More…

  • The “Lucira COVID-19 and Flu Home Test” tests for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) AND influenza A & B (the 2 most common flu-causing viruses).
    Note: This is the FIRST at home rapid test for the FLU. Usually kids have to go to their doctor to get a flu test.
    Caveat: LabCorp has an at-home flu, COVID-19, and RSV combo test but you have to send the sample to a lab so the results take a while to come back.
  • Lucira’s combo test (which is in the form of a nasal swab) can be bought over-the-counter (without a prescription) and performed at home.
  • The results are displayed in 30 minutes or less (which is a bit longer than the individual COVID-19 home tests).
  • Individuals 2 years & older can use the test. People 14 & older can administer it themselves.
  • Lucira’s combo test isn’t available in the U.S. yet, but it should be coming out soon. It’s already on shelves in Canada.


The Pros of the Test…

  • It’s Convenient. As mentioned above, the test can be done in the privacy of your own home.
  • It’s Efficient. Results are displayed within 30 minutes.
  • It’s Pretty Darn Accurate: Per the FDA, the test correctly identifies 100% of negative COVID-19 samples and 88.3% of positive ones. It also correctly identifies over 90% of positive and negative flu A & flu B samples.


Potential Cons of the Test…

  • The Price Tag. The test sells for about $70 in Canada. Lucira said that it will release the U.S. price tag at a future date. Therefore, we’ll just have to wait and see how much the test costs and how much of it is covered by insurance.
  • The Company That Created the Test Is Struggling Financially. Just as the FDA was getting ready to approve the combo test, Lucira Health had to file for bankruptcy. The company has already made a bunch of the tests, though, and is looking to sell the company.


#FutureGoals: The Next Item on Doctors’ Wishlists in the U.S.? An at-home rapid test that tests for flu, COVID-19, AND RSV (the three viruses that hit us during the “Tripledemic” this year). We know this is a possibility because Europe already has one.