Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAccuracyTypes of At-Home TestsFactors That Affect ResultsBest Testing OptionsWhen to TestHow to Test
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Accuracy
Types of At-Home Tests
Factors That Affect Results
Best Testing Options
When to Test
How to Test
At-home testing can help people quickly determine if they haveCOVID-19so they begin proper treatment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized more than 30at-home testsin which a person swabs their nasal passage themselves and receives a result.
Some tests provide results within 10 to 30 minutes, but more accurate tests such as Labcorp’s Pixel test are sent out to a lab for analysis, and results are provided in one to two days.
This article discusses the types of at-home tests, their accuracy, and the best brand names of tests.
Willie B. Thomas / Getty Images
At-Home Tests Versus Clinical Tests
The most accurate test for COVID-19 is a diagnostic test performed in a laboratory or other clinical setting such as a doctor’s office or hospital.Here, you have a sample collected via a swab from inside the nose, the middle of the throat, or via a saliva sample. The sample is analyzed at a lab and results are usually reported to you within a day or two.
If an at-home test comes back negative, it’s recommended that you repeat the test after 48 hours.This can reduce the possibility of a false negative result that comes back because you test too soon after exposure to the virus.
There are two types of at-home tests.
Generally, molecular PCR COVID-19 tests are more accurate than rapid antigen tests, whether performed in a hospital or at home. If you want the most accurate results without having to go to a lab or clinic, choose one of the PCR tests available for use at home.
False NegativeA false negative is when the test indicates you do not have the disease, but you actually do. At-home antigen tests are most likely to return a false negative result. According to the FDA, the risk of a false negative is around 20%.If you’ve been exposed, and especially if you have symptoms of COVID-19, repeat the tests over the course of two to three days.
False Negative
A false negative is when the test indicates you do not have the disease, but you actually do. At-home antigen tests are most likely to return a false negative result. According to the FDA, the risk of a false negative is around 20%.If you’ve been exposed, and especially if you have symptoms of COVID-19, repeat the tests over the course of two to three days.
You may be infected with COVID-19 but not test positive. A number of factors can affect your results including how soon you test after exposure, whether you have symptoms, and the kind of test you use.
Time Since Exposure
Symptomatic vs. Asymptomatic
If you test when you don’t have symptoms, there’s a greater chance of a false-negative result.
Researchers analyzed test accuracy in people with different amounts of the virus in their bodies. They also looked at symptomatic people vs. asymptomatic people (those without symptoms). They found that both tests (molecular PCR and rapid antigen) more accurately detected the virus in symptomatic people.
Altogether, the tests in this analysis had a sensitivity of approximately 55% in people without COVID-19 symptoms.That means that the test correctly detected the virus in 55 % of the people who were infected. Since this shows that there is a fairly large risk of testing negative when you have COVID-19 if you’re asymptomatic, it’s important to follow up with additional tests if you were exposed to the virus and test negative.
Also, keep in mind that according to these studies, the most important factor that influences test accuracy is the amount of virus in a person’s system and not whether the person has symptoms.
Type of Specimen
The accuracy of at-home COVID-19 tests can also depend on the type of specimen required, whether a nasal specimen, saliva specimen, or oral swab.
Scientists compared the collection methods and found that results from saliva samples were 74%–88% as consistent as nasopharyngeal samples.While this is not perfect, saliva samples are easier to use and allow more people to obtain testing.
High Suspicion for InfectionIf you have a high suspicion that you are infected even when your COVID test result is negative, there are precautions you can take. To reduce the chances of spreading COVID, the CDC recommends that you:Isolate at home until you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours (without taking fever-reducing medication) AND your symptoms are mild and improving.Take additional precautions for five days following isolation, such as wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and washing your hands often.
High Suspicion for Infection
If you have a high suspicion that you are infected even when your COVID test result is negative, there are precautions you can take. To reduce the chances of spreading COVID, the CDC recommends that you:Isolate at home until you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours (without taking fever-reducing medication) AND your symptoms are mild and improving.Take additional precautions for five days following isolation, such as wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and washing your hands often.
If you have a high suspicion that you are infected even when your COVID test result is negative, there are precautions you can take. To reduce the chances of spreading COVID, the CDC recommends that you:
Best At-Home COVID-19 Tests
There is no perfect COVID-19 test, and the best at-home test depends on several factors unique to an individual’s need, including the length of time to obtain a result and the cost.
Here are some of the best at-home tests.
Pixel From Labcorp
It costs approximately $120, but insurance may cover the cost of this and other tests.
Lucira From Pfizer
Lucira is a molecular test similar to a PCR test kit, but results are provided to you within 30 minutes. You take a nasal swab and place it in a solution. A color change indicates whether or not the SARS-CoV2 virus is present. According to the company’s studies, the results should be 95% accurate.
The Lucira test costs roughly $90.
BinaxNOW From Abbott
It costs roughly $25.
DxTerity
DxTerity is an at-home PCR test that relies on a saliva sample instead of a nasal specimen. Once the specimen is collected, you ship it to a laboratory and receive the results in one to three days.According to the company’s own research, the DxTerity test can detect even early infections with 99% accuracy.
A DxTerity test costs approximately $95.
When to Order an At-Home COVID-19 Test
Testing for COVID-19 is an essential public health tool that helps prevent the spread of disease.
The best time to order an at-home test is when a person develops symptoms. At-home testing provides a safe, fast option for people withsymptoms of infectionor who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
However, testing can also help people in high-risk professions keep their families safe. It also provides some reassurance for people traveling to see family members who may be at risk for severe illness.
At-home tests are widely available now and are easy to use, giving options to people who don’t have access to hospitals or clinics testing.
According to the FDA’s policy, at-home testing plays a central role in helping people return to work, school, and important activities.
Tips for Testing Accurately at Home
People can perform at-home COVID-19 testing at any time. All at-home tests come with detailed instructions and required materials.
What to Do If You Get a Positive At-Home COVID-19 Test Result
Summary
The FDA has authorized a number of COVID-19 at-home tests for emergency use. These tests can be used to help determine if you have COVID so you can remain home if necessary and start treatments as needed.
Molecular PCR tests are the most accurate type of test, but it takes a day or longer to get the results. Rapid tests check for antigens (proteins). These are fairly accurate, but you should repeat them several times over the course of a few days to confirm the results.
The information in this article is current as of the date listed. As new research becomes available, we’ll update this article. For the latest on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.At-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.COVID-19 Test Basics.U.S. Food and Drug Administration. At-Home COVID-19 Antigen Tests-Take Steps to Reduce Your Risk of False Negative Results: FDA Safety Communication.Parvu V, Gary DS, Mann J, et al.Factors that influence the reported sensitivity of rapid antigen testing for SARS-CoV-2.Front Microbiol. 2021;12:714242. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2021.714242Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Self-testing.Johnson AJ, Zhou S, Hoops SL, et al.Saliva testing is accurate for early-stage and presymptomatic COVID-19.Microbiol Spectr. 2021;9(1):e0008621. doi:10.1128/Spectrum.00086-21Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory virus guidance.LabCorp.LabCorp COVID-19 RT-PCR test EUA summary.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Lucira check-it COVID-19 test kit.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag card home test kit: procedure card.DxTerity.DxTerity.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: FDA updates test policies to help to ensure accuracy and reliability of tests and increase access to at-home tests.Carter, D. “8 tips for getting the best results from at-home COVID-19 antigen tests.” University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.At-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.COVID-19 Test Basics.U.S. Food and Drug Administration. At-Home COVID-19 Antigen Tests-Take Steps to Reduce Your Risk of False Negative Results: FDA Safety Communication.Parvu V, Gary DS, Mann J, et al.Factors that influence the reported sensitivity of rapid antigen testing for SARS-CoV-2.Front Microbiol. 2021;12:714242. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2021.714242Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Self-testing.Johnson AJ, Zhou S, Hoops SL, et al.Saliva testing is accurate for early-stage and presymptomatic COVID-19.Microbiol Spectr. 2021;9(1):e0008621. doi:10.1128/Spectrum.00086-21Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory virus guidance.LabCorp.LabCorp COVID-19 RT-PCR test EUA summary.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Lucira check-it COVID-19 test kit.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag card home test kit: procedure card.DxTerity.DxTerity.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: FDA updates test policies to help to ensure accuracy and reliability of tests and increase access to at-home tests.Carter, D. “8 tips for getting the best results from at-home COVID-19 antigen tests.” University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.At-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.COVID-19 Test Basics.U.S. Food and Drug Administration. At-Home COVID-19 Antigen Tests-Take Steps to Reduce Your Risk of False Negative Results: FDA Safety Communication.Parvu V, Gary DS, Mann J, et al.Factors that influence the reported sensitivity of rapid antigen testing for SARS-CoV-2.Front Microbiol. 2021;12:714242. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2021.714242Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Self-testing.Johnson AJ, Zhou S, Hoops SL, et al.Saliva testing is accurate for early-stage and presymptomatic COVID-19.Microbiol Spectr. 2021;9(1):e0008621. doi:10.1128/Spectrum.00086-21Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory virus guidance.LabCorp.LabCorp COVID-19 RT-PCR test EUA summary.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Lucira check-it COVID-19 test kit.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag card home test kit: procedure card.DxTerity.DxTerity.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: FDA updates test policies to help to ensure accuracy and reliability of tests and increase access to at-home tests.Carter, D. “8 tips for getting the best results from at-home COVID-19 antigen tests.” University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.At-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.COVID-19 Test Basics.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. At-Home COVID-19 Antigen Tests-Take Steps to Reduce Your Risk of False Negative Results: FDA Safety Communication.
Parvu V, Gary DS, Mann J, et al.Factors that influence the reported sensitivity of rapid antigen testing for SARS-CoV-2.Front Microbiol. 2021;12:714242. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2021.714242
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Self-testing.
Johnson AJ, Zhou S, Hoops SL, et al.Saliva testing is accurate for early-stage and presymptomatic COVID-19.Microbiol Spectr. 2021;9(1):e0008621. doi:10.1128/Spectrum.00086-21
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory virus guidance.
LabCorp.LabCorp COVID-19 RT-PCR test EUA summary.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Lucira check-it COVID-19 test kit.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag card home test kit: procedure card.
DxTerity.DxTerity.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: FDA updates test policies to help to ensure accuracy and reliability of tests and increase access to at-home tests.
Carter, D. “8 tips for getting the best results from at-home COVID-19 antigen tests.” University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
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