6,000 COVID self-test kits Saturday

New Castle County is planning to distribute 6,000 antigen COVID-19 self-test kits to residents during a drive-up event on Saturday.

The New Castle County residents-only event is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the New Castle County Government Center at 87 Reads Way in New Castle.

One iHealth rapid antigen test kit, which includes two tests, will be provided per vehicle (no matter how many people are in the vehicle), along with instructions.

New Castle County said it plans to have police and signs to help vehicles move through the event, which will remain open until all 6,000 kits are distributed.

Finding at-home COVID-19 tests and appointments at COVID-19 testing sites have proven difficult in recent weeks as mandatory testing for back-to-work or school policies have strained the system.

A post from New Castle County says they plan to organize future events, as they become available.

iHealth’s website lists the two-test pack at $13.98, but it has a five-pack limit, with a 10-day shipping delay, plus another five to 10 days for transit.

iHealth recently started selling its at-home antigen rapid tests in a pack of two for $13.98. According to the FDA, the iHealth tests were 94.3% accurate in detecting a positive test result and 98.1% accurate when detecting negative test results.

Each test includes the nasal swab, an extraction tube and the test card. The card has two possible lines on it. The C line will always turn purple to show it’s a valid test. The T line will remain absent if it’s a negative result, or turn purple — matching the C line — if the test is positive.

You can download the iHealth COVID-19 Test app on your phone for detailed instructions and to store test results for yourself, family members or colleagues.

I’ve given or taken a few of these tests now and the process is easy, but a little confusing the first time due to how you transfer the sample from the swab to the tube. But once you get comfortable with the process, you’ll have no issues.