COVID-19 FREE Testing

Testing remains a key tool to keeping Missourians safe and open for activity. Testing is not only for those who are symptomatic, but important for periodic surveillance especially when interacting with vulnerable populations and crowds. Many camps, events, and travel now require evidence of a test result before participation.

A simple test can provide peace of mind. Missouri provides several options for obtaining a free COVID-19 test without any symptom criteria. The opportunities for testing include:

• Free testing sites (sponsored by Missouri DHSS)
• Free PCR at-home test kits shipped to home (sponsored by Missouri DHSS)
• Free rapid antigen at-home test kits shipped to home (4 per residential address, sponsored by US DHHS & USPS)
• Free testing provided by pharmacies (sponsored by US DHHS)
• At-home over-the-counter COVID-19 test (get it for free or be reimbursed)

Most of the events are drive-thru events. If an indoor event, the site information will clearly indicate such. Some sites have an appointment time and require pre-registration.  Family and friends are able to assist in registration of others needing testing.  If the sites does not require pre-registration, having a state issued identification card available at the testing site will speed up the process immensely; however, no identification documents are required. The test used at these community testing events is a PCR test done by an anterior nares swab to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Results will be available as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours from the event.

 If you tested at a site that required pre-registration through AIM Laboratories, your results will be available within 48 hours via email or text message via Dragonfly testing platform. If you are unable to login to your account or have other questions about your results, please contact AIM customer service at hello@aimlaboratories.com and they will respond promptly and assist with getting your results.

 You will be notified of your result from this testing event via phone call or text. If your results are positive you will be notified via a phone call. If you are required to obtain a copy of your test result, let the specialist know at collection who will give you instructions for receiving a paper copy. If you need to obtain a copy afterwards, call or text Next Gen Diagnostics at 417-362-NEXT (6398) or by requesting one at results@nextgendiagnosticservices.com. A text message to Next Gen Diagnostics will result in a faster response.

This option allows for ordering a kit to be shipped to home. After self-collection by easy-to-follow instructions, the kit is returned to a laboratory free of charge via FedEx. You must provide an email address in order to receive the test result. Once ordered, the kit typically arrives in 2 days (depending on current demand). The kit is good for 6 months. Once the sample has been collected, it must be packaged in the prepaid FedEx shipping envelope (according to directions) and returned to a FedEx collection site within 24 hours.

Please note that due to the current spike in demand, a limited quantity will be available each day through January. If the ordering site says the limit has been reached, please check back again the following day for availability. Thank you for your patience.

  Order your test kit here

The Picture Support Hotline can be reached at 626-434-3596. This team can help navigate through any ordering, activation, shipping and/or troubleshooting issues with the Picture Portal platform.

Resources to learn more about the self-collection test:

• English overview video (shorter)
• English detailed instructions (longer)
• Spanish overview video (shorter)
• Spanish detailed instructions (longer)
• Visit fedex.com/dropbox to check on nearest dropbox and pickup times
• How to Schedule a Fed-Ex Pick-up if dropbox not available near you

Additional free testing sites around Missouri are available. You can find those sites here.

Click here to find additional free COVID-19 testing sites in Missouri by zip code.