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What to Look for in At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Whether you’re feeling symptomatic or have a known exposure to someone with COVID-19, taking an at-home COVID-19 test can give you some peace of mind. The benefit of using one is that they provide results between 15 and 30 minutes
When looking for an at-home COVID-19 test, keep an eye on the swab method (whether it’s oral or nasal) and the resulting speed. Additionally, pay attention to the timeline of your symptoms and potential exposure.
Type of Test
There are two primary types of at-home COVID-19 tests available on the market: antigen tests and PCR tests.
Antigen: An antigen test is “a diagnostic test that detects specific proteins from the virus.” Because of this, antigen tests can provide results quickly, and thus are often used for rapid tests.
If you know you’ve been exposed to the virus, it can be a good first step to take to prevent spreading the illness.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)test is a type of molecular test. It is “a diagnostic test that detects genetic material from the virus.” PCR tests amplify the viral genetic material, which makes them more sensitive and thus more likely to be accurate.
“A PCR test may be a good option if you have been recently exposed and are not symptomatic because it can detect the virus at lower levels in the body,”
Results Speed
A big deciding factor when it comes to COVID-19 test kits is their results speed time.
Antigen test provides rapid results in 10 to 15 minutes, so this can be an ideal option if immediate results are needed.
PCR tests must be mailed into a lab to test a collected sample, so it can take several days for them to notify you of a positive or negative result.
Method of Collection
There are three ways a COVID-19 test sample can be collected: nasal swab, oral swab, and saliva “spit tube.” You should take the user into consideration before choosing a test—kids, for example, may be more willing participants in a spit test than a nasal swab—but it’s important to know that not all collection methods are created equal.
Studies have shown that nasal tests and saliva tests are more accurate in detecting COVID-19 than throat swabs, and have become the best-practice standard when performing COVID-19 testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are at-home COVID-19 tests accurate?
When taking an antigen test, you may need to test once and then wait a few days (when your viral load could be higher) to test again for the most accurate results. This may be needed if you develop symptoms after the first antigen test.
“It’s important to follow the specific instructions of each test as written by the manufacturer, including how to collect the sample, how to handle it, and how to interpret the test strip or read-out device,” explains Dr. Laura Morris. “Each one is slightly different, and a patient should not assume that they know how to perform a test based on using one in the past.”
Can you use an at-home COVID-19 test to be approved to travel?
If you’re pressed for time, or limiting interaction outside your home, you may be considering using an at-home COVID-19 test for travel purposes.
While many at-home tests can be done independently, for travel intentions, the testing process needs to include a “a telehealth service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection.”
Warns About Counterfeit Home COVID-19 Test Kits
You should be aware of counterfeit at-home over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests, as they are not authorized. These tests may increase the risk of false results, and they should not be used or distributed.
Signs that a test may be counterfeit include:
- The box label, trade name, or printed instructions for use look different from the authorized labeling
- Poor print quality of images or text on the packaging or instructions
- Missing information on the packaging label (such as the lot number, expiration date, barcode or QR codes)
- Grammatical or spelling errors on labels
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