Home Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are available from many sources, but only people who meet the following criteria will qualify for a no-cost test through LA County Home Test Collection program:

• Have symptoms of COVID-19 or think they were exposed to COVID-19, AND
• Are age 65 years or older; OR
• Are unable to leave their home

You can order a test kit at the Picture by Fulgent Genetics website here:

https://picturegenetics.com/covid19?c=lacathome.

Follow these steps to order the test:

1. Answer screening questions.
2. Give your contact information. You will need an email address to order the test.
3. Provide insurance information (if you have insurance).
4. Consent to take the test.

It generally takes up to 2 business days to receive a test kit in the mail after you place the order. Test kits ordered after 3pm PST may not ship until the following business day.

Collect and ship your sample on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. Do not collect your sample on Saturday, Sunday, or on holidays, as FedEx weekend operations will delay the arrival of your sample. If the sample arrives late, the Fulgent Genetics lab will not be able to run the test.

You have 3-5 days after you receive the test kit to collect and return the sample to the lab via FedEx.  Samples must be sent back to the lab the SAME DAY you collect it. We provide a pre-paid overnight shipping label with the test kit. You MUST use this FedEx label to make sure it arrives in time.  If your sample arrives late, the Fulgent Genetics lab will not be able to run the test. Call FedEx at 1.800.463.3339 to schedule a one-time FedEx Pickup, or drop off your fully packaged sample at a FedEx drop box before the last Express pickup time of that day. Before you activate your test, check ahead of time for any potential changes to FedEx operations around the holidays.

Take the test as soon as it arrives.  Follow the instructions included in the kit to:

1. Activate the test online
2. Collect your own sample from your nose
3. Wash your hands and package your sample in the pre-paid overnight envelope
4. Call FedEx at 1.800.463.3339 to schedule a one-time FedEx Pickup, or drop off the packaged sample back to the Fulgent Genetics lab via FedEx express drop box

All of these steps must be done ON THE SAME DAY.  Be sure to confirm FedEx hours and holiday schedules before you activate your test and collect your sample.

When you are ready to start, follow the instructions provided in the test kit box. Enter the code provided for your assigned test kit. This code links your test to your personal registration information. Activate the test right before you use it. The activation time is recorded as your sample collection date and time.

Collect your sample right after you activate the test. Watch the video to see how it works:  www.picturegenetics.com/nasalswab. Rotate the swab around each nostril a few times gently but firmly. After collecting the sample, wash your hands. Then prepare the package to ship the sample via FedEx.  Ship the sample back on the same day you collect it.

Test results are ready within 48 hours of the sample arriving at the lab. The lab will send you a link to your results via email. If you submit more than one sample with the same email, each sample you submit will have a separate result.

If your test is positive (meaning you have COVID-19), you will also receive a second notification from Healthvana via email or text message. Through Healthvana, you can enter the names, email addresses and/or phone numbers of people with whom you were in close contact. When you enter this information, Healthvana will send your contacts an anonymous notification. This notification will have information on how to get their own test and how to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Use and return your test within 3-5 days of receiving it. Please note you must activate the test, collect the sample and FedEx it back to the lab on the SAME DAY.

Testing is available for children 4 years of age and older. A parent or a guardian will need to help with the test. If your child has new or worsening symptoms such as trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, feeling confused or having difficulty waking up, or blue-colored lips or face, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention instead of ordering this test.

Parents, guardians, or caregivers may order a test for a person for whom they provide care. Due to legal and privacy reasons, each adult ordering a test for themselves must do so using their own account. This account will be linked to their own email address.

We use the same test that we offer at our LA County test sites. This is a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test that is authorized by the FDA. The sample is collected using a nasal swab.  For more details, visit: https://picturegenetics.com/blog/article/covid-19-testing-guide

Yes, you should only order this test if you intend to use it within 3-5 days. Please make sure that test kit activation, sample collection, and shipment all happen within the same calendar day.