Health Team

Shortage of COVID rapid tests lead to limitations for pharmacies

Local pharmacies are limiting the amount of at-home COVID-19 testing kits customers can purchase due to a shortage of rapid testing supplies across the country.

Posted Updated

By
Aaron Thomas
, WRAL reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — Local pharmacies are limiting the amount of at-home COVID-19 testing kits customers can purchase due to a shortage of rapid testing supplies across the country.

At pharmacies like Hayes Barton Pharmacy in Raleigh, pharmacists are saying they're experiencing the shortage firsthand.

The CDC warned of this shortage weeks ago and encouraged the use of lab tests or PCR tests.

Pharmacist Jerry Cobb tells me he’s tried getting at-home rapid tests on shelves as employers require proof of negative COVID-19 test or vaccination but he can’t get them at this point due to supply chain issues.

We stopped by five pharmacies in our viewing area, including:

  • CVS on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh had at-home rapid tests in stock, but allowed customers to purchase one test at a time.
  • Walgreens in Raleigh’s Village District posted a notice stating customers could purchase only four tests at a time due to limited supply.

Health experts mention a number of factors driving this nationwide shortage-concert venues, employers, and school districts expecting weekly negative test results.

These test results are popular and convenient, providing results in about 15 minutes.

Pharmacist Jerry Cobb says PCR tests take more time to process but offer the most accurate result.

"The other thing of note about the rapid test is they’re not as accurate as the PCR test," said Cobb. "Especially if you’re asymptomatic, they’re not super reliable. What’s more accurate is the PCR test."

State health officials with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said they are seeing supply chain issues across the board but no price increases.

On Wednesday, the White House announced it’s investing $1 billion in at-home COVID-19 tests out of concerns the U.S. could face another wave going into the winter season. ​

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