Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co., has launched Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test, an over-the-counter SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test. It has received FDA Emergency Use Authorization for self-testing without the need for a prescription from a healthcare professional.
The test allows individuals to receive results within 15 minutes, in the comfort of their own home as it does not require laboratory processing. The test is designed for individuals with or without symptoms or other epidemiological reasons to suspect COVID-19 infection.
“The U.S. has made tremendous strides in the battle with COVID-19, with vaccination efforts proving successful, yet testing continues to be a critical pillar in the fight against this public health crisis,” said Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health. “We know Americans will greatly benefit from having access to affordable, at-home testing to support diagnostic needs, and Kroger Health is grateful that we can continue to be part of the solution by providing access to diagnostic testing as well as administering COVID-19 vaccines.”
“This virus remains unpredictable, which is why we can’t let our guard down on testing, especially as people get back to seeing more of each other in a variety of spaces like workplaces, schools and family events,” said Andrea F. Wainer, EVP of Abbott’s rapid and molecular diagnostics business. “Abbott will continue making its BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test available in more national retail settings like Kroger so that people can quickly and easily find the test and get back to living their pre-pandemic lifestyles with more assurance.”
Keeping over-the-counter tests available at home can allow individuals to be prepared when it matters. Individuals can feel more confident about attending events, visiting loved ones or traveling when using this test for COVID-19 screening.
Kroger Health remains a COVID-19 response leader that has provided patients, associates and other businesses with a suite of solutions through its COVIDCare+ offering, including vaccines, viral and antibody testing and resources. In collaboration with the Biden administration, and as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination, Kroger Health’s multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals has administered more than 3.5 million vaccinations. To schedule a vaccine appointment, visit here.
Cincinnati, Ohio-based Kroger Health also plans to add at-home COVID-19 antigen testing to its employer-focused health and wellness solutions. Employers or organizations can use this test to facilitate regular, low-cost testing as a tool to re-open workplaces. For inquiries regarding this offering, please visit the COVIDCare+ partner page for more information.
Abbott’s BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test will be available for purchase at all Kroger retail locations and will be coming soon to Kroger.com. Each box contains two nasal swab tests, which are intended to be used twice over three days with at least 36 hours between tests. According to the FDA, this kind of serial testing can increase the chances of detecting asymptomatic infection and offers schools, workplaces, communities and other entities new options to screen for COVID-19.
