Considering Michigan’s cold winter temperatures, District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is issuing guidance on how to ensure the COVID-19 tests received from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the United States Postal Service (USPS) work properly. 

 

At-home test kits are being delivered to residences, those shipping to Michigan most likely have been in frigid temperatures, either while in transit or after being delivered to mailboxes. Many are asking if this could impact the effectiveness of the test. According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), the performance of the at-home COVID-19 tests should not be impacted, provided they are prepared correctly. 

 

Proper test performance assumes the test is being performed in an environment that is between 59-86?F (15-30?C). To ensure appropriate test performance with a test that is delivered to you in below freezing temperatures, you should:   

 

• Bring the package inside your home and leave it unopened at room temperature for at least two hours before opening it. 
• Once the package is at room temperature, you may open it and perform the test according to the authorized instructions for use. 
• As long as the test line(s) appear as described in the instructions, you can be confident that the test is performing as it should. 
• If the line(s) do not appear in the correct location(s) and within the correct time as shown in the test instructions when you perform the test, then the results may not be accurate, and a new test is needed to get an accurate result. 

 

Every home address is eligible to order 4 free, at-home COVID-19 tests. HHS says that orders should ship between 7-12 days after ordering, beginning in late January. Ordering is easy and convenient online at: https://www.covidtests.gov/.  

 

You can also learn more about additional resources, insurance reimbursement for at-home kits, and the CDC’s quarantine and isolations guidelines from the link above. DHD#10 asks that positive at-home tests be reported here: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6055601/3a61f0729898.  

 

It is important to note that DHD#10 does not offer COVID-19 testing, nor do they carry testing supplies at their offices. However, most area pharmacies perform COVID-19 testing and sell at-home testing kits. 

 

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.dhd10.org/coronavirus.