April 19, 2021 – Abbott (Abbott Park, IL) announced it began shipping its BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Self Test to retailers across the U.S. Consumers can expect the test to be available in the next few days online and in some stores. Broader nationwide availability is expected in the next two weeks as tests work their way through distribution channels.
The BinaxNOW Self Test, which can be purchased over the counter without a prescription, will initially be available at CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens and Walmart. Abbott plans to roll out the test to other major food, drug and mass merchandisers in the weeks ahead.
The BinaxNOW Self Test will be sold in 2-count packs in order to meet serial (frequent) testing requirements. At an MSRP of $23.99, the company says it will be the most affordable OTC COVID-19 rapid test available in the U.S.
Abbott is the only manufacturer in the U.S. that has Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a COVID-19 self test that can provide tests immediately at this scale.
Abbott says it will manufacture tens of millions of BinaxNOW Self Tests per month and can further scale capacity based on demand. Abbott can also work with retailers to prioritize distribution to areas of the country where the virus is surging as additional supply comes online.
Looking to the near future, Abbott says it plans to continue bringing accessible testing options and lead the U.S. in supplying COVID-19 tests for use in labs, at the point of care, and over the counter.
The BinaxNOW Self Test uses the same technology as the existing BinaxNOW test that has been available since August 2020 but is now indicated by the FDA for serial symptomatic and asymptomatic testing, meaning that people should test themselves frequently. The test can be used on children as young as two years old when samples are collected by an adult and for all people aged 15 years or older.