If you know you\u2019ve been exposed to the virus, it can be a good first step to take to prevent spreading the illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PCR<\/strong> (Polymerase Chain Reaction)test is a type of molecular test. It is \u201ca diagnostic test that detects genetic material from the virus.\u201d\u00a0PCR tests amplify the viral genetic material, which makes them more sensitive and thus more likely to be accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA PCR <\/strong>test may be a good option if\u00a0you have been recently exposed<\/a>\u00a0and are not symptomatic because it can detect the virus at lower levels in the body,\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n A big deciding factor when it comes to COVID-19 test kits is their results speed time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Antigen<\/strong> test provides rapid results in 10 to 15 minutes, so this can be an ideal option if immediate results are needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PCR <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are three ways a COVID-19 test sample can be collected: nasal swab, oral swab, and saliva \u201cspit tube.\u201d You should take the user into consideration before choosing a test\u2014kids, for example, may be more willing participants in a spit test than a nasal swab\u2014but it\u2019s important to know that not all collection methods are created equal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Are at-home COVID-19 tests accurate?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s 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,\u201d explains Dr. Laura Morris. \u201cEach 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can you use an at-home COVID-19 test to be approved to travel?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re pressed for time, or limiting interaction outside your home, you may be considering using an\u00a0at-home COVID-19 test\u00a0<\/a>for travel purposes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n While many at-home tests can be done independently, for travel intentions, the testing process needs to include a \u201ca telehealth service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u00a0be used or distributed.<\/p>\n\n\n\nResults Speed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Method of Collection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Warns About Counterfeit Home COVID-19 Test Kits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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