The demand for Covid-19 tests is so great, and so many companies are now getting into the fray, that it is difficult to tell a reputable company and test from a disreputable one.

Indeed there have been charlatans who will take your money and run.

Leaving each state government to fend for themselves increased the confusion and made it easy for swindlers. Companies marketing their tests said they had FDA approval when they did not. Tests were purchased that could not be validated in the lab. Tests claiming 97 percent accuracy performed at 20 percent accuracy. Tests were being sent to individuals instead of to a licensed healthcare provider, as required by law.

Much time and money is being wasted due to the lack of more stringent FDA regulations and a detective force to track and shutdown these cons.

Individuals, desperate to get tested, are easy prey to swindlers who have sold them a test for $50 or $150, taken their money, and then did a sham test (with no results) or never provided the test at all.

There are companies who will sell you an at-home COVID-19 – a sham – for $135-$181.

Although the FDA has warned people about fake COVID-19 testing, there are still many who fall victim. One reliable way to know you won’t be getting swindled, is to go through your local hospital, physician, or state department of health. It may take longer, but at least doing it that way your test should be “free” – paid for by the Family Cares Act passed by Congress last month.

Cheryl Austin is a biomedical engineer, and science and medical writer living in Madison, AL. Contact her at cherylaustin@comcast.net

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