About Test Yourself DC
Test Yourself DC is a COVID-19 At Home Testing Kit that allows you to take a COVID-19 test at home without having to wait in line at a testing site. The COVID-19 At Home Testing Kit is intended for the collection of anterior nasal swabs from individuals age 18 years and older (self-collected), 14 years and older (self-collected under adult supervision), or 2 years and older (collected with adult assistance). Test Yourself DC kits are available for pick-up at any of the 8 COVID Service Centers around DC.
Once you have your testing kit, log in here and follow the steps to take your test at home.
English
Chinese (Simplified) Also referred to as Mandarin
Amharic
Vietnamese
Spanish
French
Korean
Pick Up and Drop Off Locations
Test kits can be picked up and dropped off at any of the 8 COVID Service Centers throughout the District.
How to use your COVID-19 Home Testing Kit
- Take your COVID-19 Home Testing Kit home and prepare to test yourself
- Log onto testyourself.dc.gov
- Enter the BLUE numbers printed on your sample tube when prompted on the website
- Enter the RED numbers printed on your sample tube when prompted on the website
- Provide your name, demographic information, and insurance information, if applicable*
- Conduct a Nasal Self Swab (find the instructions on the reverse side of the kit)
- Package the kit as shown on the reverse side of the kit
- Drop off your test kit on the same day you take your test to closest drop box
- You will receive your results by email (and text, if you opt in)
*Insurance information is not required. By providing insurance information, the District of Columbia will seek reimbursement for the cost of testing from your insurance company. You will not be responsible for any charges, to include co-pays, regardless of whether you provide insurance information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Test Yourself DC?
A. Test Yourself DC is an “At Home COVID-19 Testing Kit.” The kit is a PCR test.
Q. What is the cost of the Test Yourself DC test kit?
A. Home test kits are available for FREE with no out of pocket costs.
Q. Where can I get a Test Yourself DC “At Home COVID-19 Testing Kit”?
A. Test Yourself DC kits are available at 8 COVID Service Center locations throughout the District.
Q. Can I take the COVID-19 test onsite?
A. Individuals can self-administer the test anywhere at the time of pickup or take the test at home and drop off their test sample later at the closest drop box. Individuals can find a location at testyourself.dc.gov.
Q. Where can I drop off my test sample?
A. Drop off test samples at the closest DC COVID Service Center drop box. Find a location.
Q. How do I return my test sample?
A. Return the envelope with the sample on the SAME DAY of collection and registration.
How to Return Sample:
1. Ensure sample is sealed tight.
2. Place sample in biohazard bag.
3. Fold or roll biohazard bag around sample.
4. Insert into envelope.
5. Seal envelope. Return envelope to closest drop box, find a location.
Q. Where can I find test kit instructions in other languages?
A. Test kit instructions are available in other languages here.
Q. What happens if I don’t drop off my sample on the SAME DAY of collection and registration?
A. You must register and take your test on the SAME DAY and drop it off on the SAME DAY. If you do not, you will be notified that your sample cannot be processed and the test must be redone.
Q. How long will it take to get my test results?
A. Test samples submitted via the Test Yourself DC kit will be sent to one of the District’s laboratory partners. The turnaround time for the testing is 2-3 days.
Q. Where can I get my test results?
A. You will receive your results via the email address provided or via text message (if opted-in to receive a text message), as well as in your LabCorp portal if you have one.
Q. Have the tests been approved and are they safe?
A. This product has not been FDA cleared or approved, but has been authorized for emergency use by FDA under an EUA for use by the authorized laboratory.
This product has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens.
The emergency use of this product is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner..
This product has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens.
The emergency use of this product is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner..
Q. Are the tests available to everyone?
A. Yes. Anyone 18 years and older who needs a COVID-19 test can pick up a Test Yourself DC kit at at one of 8 COVID Service Centers in the District.
Q. Is there an age limitation? Can I use the test on children?
A. TestYourselfDC Collection Kit is intended for the collection of anterior nasal swabs from individuals age 18 years and older (self-collected), 14 years and older (self-collected under adult supervision), or 2 years and older (collected with adult assistance).
Q. Where can I find more information about COVID-19 testing options in the District?
A. Visit coronavirus.dc.gov/testing for additional information about COVID-19 testing in the District.