At-home COVID-19 tests are again available at no cost through a partnership between the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the United States Postal Service. These tests will detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants and are intended for use through the end of 2024. Each order will include four tests.
One of the available options is the Orasure InteliSwab test, which is more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision, as well as people who have low manual dexterity.
What makes the Orasure InteliSwab tests more accessible?
None of the tests on the market today are fully accessible, because all must be read visually. However, some tests have features that make them more accessible than others. Based on input from people with low dexterity, people who have low vision, and the National Federation for the Blind, the Orasure InteliSwab test was found to be the most accessible of the available options, because:
- The test has only three components – a swab, a tube the swab is inserted into, and a base that holds the tube.
- There is no liquid that must be added to a test cartridge, which means:
- There are no drops to count visually, which creates problems for blind/low-vision users
- There is no dropper to squeeze, which can be difficult for people with low dexterity
- Components are easily distinguishable from each other by feel. The handle of the swab also is easily identified by feel, which makes it easier for blind/low vision users to avoid touching the swab.
- The components are much larger than most (important for users with low dexterity):
- This makes them easier to handle in general.
- There are no small pieces that have to be inserted into each other; the opening the swab is inserted into is much larger than the swab.
- Administering the test is a simple process. The user has to place the tube into the base, swab their nose, and place swab in the tube.
In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services worked with OraSure to make the test instructions fully accessible to blind users by:
- Creating digital PDF instructions with alt text, so the instructions can be read with screen readers.
- Creating descriptive audio for the instructional video.
- Ensuring the website itself is navigable with assistive technologies like screen readers.
- Making the instructions easy to find on the company’s website.
(HHS continues to support development of test technologies to improve accessibility.)
How to order:
Order online:
- More accessible tests can be ordered through a special web page within COVIDtests.gov. (To ensure that these tests are reserved for people who truly need them, the link to this special page will not be published on the COVIDtests.gov home page.)
- If you are able to use the standard tests, you can order them through using the regular form on at COVIDtests.gov.
Order by phone:
Call 1-800-232-0233 to reach the CDC Information line, and then:
- Select language: Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish, 3 for other languages
- Press 1 to order regular COVID-19 at-home tests
- Press 8 to order the more accessible tests, or remain on the line to order the regular tests.
Need more help?
The trained staff at the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) can provide additional assistance with:
- Connecting blind users to services that may be able to help with reading tests.
- Finding other COVID tests.
- For those who cannot use an at-home test, DIAL operators can:
- Connect callers to local organizations for assistance locating other testing options in their community, including in-home testing programs or transportation or companion support to visit a community-based testing site.
Call 888-677-1199, visit the DIAL website for chat and ASL services, or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org. DIAL operators are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Eastern)