Today is the last day to order free COVID tests from the government. How to get them

Evan Moore
·2 min read
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If you suspect you have COVID or want to stock up on tests, today is the last day to order free kits from the federal government.

According to a notice posted on COVID.gov, an official website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ordering free COVID tests from the website will be suspended after March 8.

All orders placed on or before March 8 will be delivered, the note says.

Here’s how to order free tests from the government and tips on how to get the most accurate results.

How to order free COVID tests

Those interested can visit COVID.gov to order up to four free tests.

To place an order, you just need to enter your name and address on the website. You can also provide an email address to receive updates on the order.

If an order has not been placed for your address since the program reopened on Sept. 25, 2023, you can place two orders now, the website says.

If you have issues with your delivery, you should complete a form on the United States Postal Service website to notify them.

If you experience difficulty on the website, try clearing the web browser cache or switching to a different browser.

How to prepare for a self-test at home

Before taking the test, follow these tips to ensure your results are accurate:

  • Wash or sanitize your hands and make sure they are dry before starting the test.

  • Read the instructions closely.

  • Check your kit contents and make sure you have everything needed to perform the test.

  • Check the expiration date. If the test is expired, do not use it.

  • Do not use the test if any of the items are damaged or open.

Tips on taking the test

A common mistake when taking a rapid test is not reading the results within the appropriate time frame. Be sure to read the instructions that come with your test and set a timer for the amount of time listed for the most precise results.

A recent Vanderbilt University study also found that taking the test in the middle of the day may produce more accurate results than testing for the virus at night.

If you test negative for COVID-19 but have symptoms, you may want to get a more sensitive test, like a PCR test, and isolate yourself from others, the CDC says.

How to store your test

If you’re not ready to use your tests when they come in the mail, experts suggest storing them in a place that is room temperature, since exposure to extreme heat or cold may affect the accuracy of at-home tests.