Tom Thumb and Albertsons pharmacies in North Texas are now offering at-home COVID-19 test kits.
The saliva tests are available at all Tom Thumb and Albertsons pharmacies through a partnership with Phosphorus Diagnostics.
Officials with Albertsons Companies said test results are typically available in 72 hours or less from the time the lab receives the test.
To request a test, visit scheduletest.com and complete a short medical questionnaire. A Tom Thumb or Albertsons pharmacist will review and authenticate the information provided and order the test.
Individuals who request tests will be contacted for payment and will be notified that their test kit is ready for pick-up or has been shipped to their address.
Patients showing symptoms of COVID-19 should not pick up their own test and should instead send a representative or select the delivery option, Albertsons Companies said.
After completing the sample collection, individuals should send the test to the lab using the kit's prepaid next-day shipping envelope.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
Those who take the at-home test will receive their results by email or text. A Tom Thumb or Albertsons pharmacist will be available for questions concerning follow-up care.
Chair of biology at Texas A&M Texarkana Dr. Ben Neuman called the tests a positive development in the fight against COVID-19.
"It has been a struggle for a lot of people to get a test and making them more widely available and available in a way that is already familiar and comfortable to people is just a wonderful thing," Neuman said.
Though the tests will only be available for those who can pay out of pocket, he's hopeful they'll mean people who otherwise wouldn't get tested now will.
Customers can contact any local Tom Thumb or Albertsons Pharmacy for additional information.
According to Albertsons Companies, Tom Thumb and Albertsons are currently unable to bill insurance directly for the test, meaning that all payment for the test will be out of pocket.
However, customers may be able to submit their receipt to their insurance company for reimbursement, Albertsons Companies said.
NBC 5's Allie Spillyards contributed to this report.
