7 March 2022 - - US-based pharmacy operator Walgreens and US-based life sciences company Labcorp have teamed on the nationwide availability of Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 at-home collection kit, a PCR test available through Labcorp OnDemand at no cost to individuals who meet clinical guidelines, the companies said.

Walgreens said the addition of the kits, which are provided in collaboration with the US Department of Health and Human Services, will enable more communities to access reliable, convenient testing services when, where and how they need them.

The Labcorp COVID-19 at-home collection kit uses the same PCR test trusted by doctors and hospitals across the country.

PCR testing is considered the gold standard in diagnosing COVID-19, and the test detects all current variants of the virus.

At-home collection kits are shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight with step-by-step instructions to guide individuals through kit registration, sample collection and how to return your sample.

Results are provided on average within 1-2 days after the specimen is received at the lab and can be accessed through the Labcorp OnDemand portal.

In addition to the new program, Walgreens offers free drive-thru testing for everyone ages 3 and older at more than 7,000 locations nationwidei, with more than half of Walgreens COVID-19 testing sites located in socially vulnerable areas.

Walgreens also offers over-the-counter tests for purchase online and in stores. For reimbursement of over-the-counter tests, customers should ask their pharmacist if their plan offers coverage with no out-of-pocket cost.

Walgreens said it remains committed to providing equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, testing and treatments in the communities we serve and have administered more than 60 m COVID-19 vaccines and 26 m COVID-19 tests.

Since the onset of the pandemic, Walgreens has consistently provided communities convenient access to the COVID-19 services and medications they need through COVID-19 at-home and drive-thru testing services, vaccinations, distributing masks and dispensing medications.

Labcorp became the first US commercial laboratory to launch COVID-19 PCR testing in 2020, and less than two weeks later it became the first to receive FDA Emergency Use Authorization for its test.

In April 2020, Labcorp launched at-home collection kits for COVID-19 PCR testing, which are now available through its Labcorp OnDemand platform.

Labcorp OnDemand includes a suite of the company's most popular tests including its wellness, allergy, COVID-19, women's health and fertility tests.

Individuals can purchase Labcorp OnDemand tests online, collect samples in the convenience of their home, or schedule test appointments at one of Labcorp's nearly 2,000 patient service centers, including Labcorp at Walgreens locations.

Walgreens is included in the United States segment of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail company.

Walgreens operates nearly 9,000 retail locations across America, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Labcorp is a global life sciences company with diagnostics and drug development capabilities. Labcorp (NYSE: LH) reported revenue of USD 16bn in FY2021.