Before taking the free, at-home and (mostly) do-it-yourself coronavirus test that the Wyoming Department of Health is offering, there are some things you should know.
First of all, the test isn’t completely DIY, as you have to complete it during a Zoom telehealth visit with a health care provider from Vault Health, the company providing the tests, so a medical professional can see you collecting the sample.
This is a saliva-based test that doesn’t require the (sometimes painful) nasal swab. It uses high-quality laboratory technology for a high level of effectiveness, according to the Wyoming Department of Health.
Since saliva is being collected, WDH and Vault are reminding people that they shouldn’t have anything in their mouths (no eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum) for at least one-half hour before taking the test.
The patient will be asked to show photo identification so the testing supervisor can confirm the patient they are observing is the same person who ordered the test.
An Internet connection is required to complete this portion of the process.
The patient will then send the saliva sample to the Vault laboratory for testing. Results are expected within 48 hours of the samples being received.
The test is free for any Wyoming resident and insurance isn’t necessary. Cost information will be displayed on the Vault website, but after a Wyoming resident enters an in-state address and reaches the payment page, the cost will be waived.
If a person tests positive for the virus, the result will be reported to the Wyoming Department of Health for appropriate follow up.
Anyone who has had a previous positive test result in the last three months shouldn’t take this test.
The tests can be ordered here.
