Home tests for covid are an important part of the health care response to the resurgence of this coronavirus. They can help people self-isolate if they are contagious and help prevent the spread of this virus from one person to another.
There are several different types of at-home tests for covid, which can be used by adults and children alike. You can find them at a variety of places, including pharmacies and supermarkets.
Some of the most popular at-home test kits include those from Roche (formerly known as iHealth), Labcorp, and Pixel by Labcorp. These are available at most retailers, as well as online and through Express Scripts(r) Pharmacy.
These at-home tests are very easy to use, and require no special skills or training. Depending on the test you choose, you may need to collect a saliva sample or nasal swab.
Make sure you store the home test kit in a cool, dry place that is free from extreme heat and cold. Also, keep the testing kit in a plastic bag to prevent dripping and other contamination.
When you are ready to start testing, follow the instructions provided with the kit packaging. Most of these kits require a nasal swab or a saliva sample.
You may have to wash your hands before you start the process, and you’ll need to wait a certain amount of time before reading the results. After that, you’ll want to contact your doctor if you have a positive result.
If you do have a positive result, you’ll need to repeat the test in 48 hours and try to isolate yourself for a week to ensure you are not spreading the disease to others. This can be done by using the same test and taking steps to mask yourself or wash your hands and face with soap and water.
For more information, see the CDC’s page about self-testing for COVID-19.
Most rapid antigen tests will give results within 15-20 minutes and are easy to use. They’re not as accurate as PCR tests, which are used by medical professionals. But they’re still a good option for those who need proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel or participate in events.
Some of these at-home tests have been approved by the FDA. However, they’re not always covered by private insurers or group health plans.
At-home COVID-19 testing is a relatively new tool in the fight against the coronavirus. Many people are getting vaccinated, but it’s essential to continue testing for COVID-19 and take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of this disease.
The CDC recommends completing at-home rapid COVID-19 tests within 3 to 5 days of being exposed to the virus. You can also do serial testing, which means repeating the test twice in a 3-day period if you don’t have symptoms yet.
To get the best results, do a nasal swab or saliva sample in the home test. This is especially helpful if you are experiencing severe symptoms, because the swab can pick up the infection more easily than other methods of testing.
