How to take COVID-19 test at Home?
About the test
● Saliva tests are provided to all Minnesotans at no cost, whether or not you have
insurance.
○ If you have insurance, you will need to provide your information so your
insurance company can pay for your test. If your insurance does not pay for
COVID-19 tests or does not pay enough, the state will cover the cost. If you do
not have insurance, the state will pay for your test. Do not pay your insurance
company or the testing provider for your COVID test.
○ Do not enter your credit card information on the Vault website. If you are asked
for this information, please close out of your browser and click the ordering link
above to try again. You may need to open the link in a new private or incognito
browser. Vault also provides paid tests nationally, so it’s important for
Minnesotans to access the site through the above link to ensure they can get
tests at no cost. If you have been charged for a test, please send an email to
testathome.mdh@state.mn.us.
● Both adults and children can use these tests, though they may not work well for children
under age 4, who may not have enough saliva. An adult 18 or older must request a test
for a child. Currently, a unique email address and account is required for each person
who needs a test. This may mean that you have to create a new email for each of your
minor children and household family members.
● Saliva testing may not be right for those with low saliva production, such as young
children or someone who has suffered a stroke.
How to take the test
Do not eat, chew, or drink anything (even water) for at least 30 minutes before you take your
test.
When you are ready to take the test, you will log in to access the the Vault virtual waiting room
and do a video visit with a Vault test supervisor. You may have to wait for some time in the
virtual waiting room, as a lot of people are taking tests. The test supervisor will give you
instructions and make sure you do the test the right way.
You will then send the test to a Vault lab in Minnesota or New Jersey using the prepaid package
that came with the test. Once it arrives at the lab, you will get your test results by email in 24-48
hours.