(WXYZ) – For months, pharmacies have sold in-home COVID-19 test kits that provide results within minutes. Due to demand, some pharmacies like CVS are limiting the number of test kits customers can purchase at a time.

“From the start, America did not do enough COVID-19 testing,” President Joe Biden said during his address to the nation on September 9.

During the remarks, the president pledged better access to COVID-19 testing and said he would use his power to meet demand.

“I will use the Defense Production Act to increase the production of rapid tests, including the ones you can use at home,” Biden said.

These home test kits have been a popular product, selling online at many retailers. In one pharmacy we visited, the shelves were bare. In another, the shelves have been restocked with a handful of kits available.

Southfield’s Theressa Nelson says she and her daughter regularly test for COVID-19 and are interested in a home kit.

“Absolutely,” Nelson said. “It’s more convenient than going out and having to stand in line.”

Due to high demand, CVS is limiting the number of purchases each customer can purchase at a time. No more than 6 for online orders and no more than 4 for in-person orders.

Another concern for access to testing, however, is cost. The cheapest at CVS is $ 24 for a 2-pack, with others closer to $ 40. During his speech, the president announced that Amazon, Kroger and Walmart would temporarily cut prices by 35%.

“Each of these outlets will begin selling rapid home test kits at cost for the next three months,” Biden said.

“How useful they are, it’s a bit in the air,” said Dr. Matthew Sims of Beaumont Health. “They can confirm COVID, but they can’t really prove you don’t have it”

Dr Sims cautions that these home antigen tests are not as effective as lab tests because they are not as sensitive, which means there is the potential for false negative results for those who are asymptomatic.

“If you’re feeling sick and coughing and all that and you want to confirm it’s COVID, they’re probably working pretty well,” Dr Sims said. “They are still not perfect.”

While they’re not perfect, Dr Sims says they’re another tool to help fight the pandemic. Another tool, in great demand.

Pharmacies like CVS also offer in-person testing, and Beaumont now offers PCR testing in their emergency care with same-day results.