Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Antigen Test Kits
Testing for COVID-19 is an essential part of preventing the spread of the virus. COVID-19 Self-Test Kits allow users to test for COVID-19 infections from the safety and comfort of their homes at any time symptoms arise. The tests are easy to administer and provide quick results. By testing at home, users can determine whether or not they need to isolate themselves so as not to spread the virus to loved ones. Additionally, testing before and durin
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COVID Test Kits
Types of At-Home Tests
There are two kinds of At-Home COVID Test Kits: PCR and antigen. Both options detect the presence of COVID-19, typically from a nasal swab or saliva sample collection. Other sample collection methods may be available depending on the type of test and manufacturer selected.
PCR Tests
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests such as the myLAB Box Self-Collected Nasal Swab COVID Test use DNA copying to test for the early signs of diseases and viruses. They are more sensitive than a rapid test and are typically more accurate as a result.1 These tests can be taken at home but require the collected sample to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Getting results can take several days depending on the test.
Antigen Tests
COVID rapid antigen tests look for viral proteins. They are designed to provide results in a much shorter time frame, typically one hour or less. These tests can be taken anywhere and at any time. While they are less accurate than a PCR test, false positives are unlikely.2
When To Take a Test
To help slow the transition to others, the CDC recommends that a test kit for COVID-19 be taken:
Immediately if symptoms of COVID-19 are present.
Within five days of exposure to someone who has been exposed to COVID-19.
Immediately before an indoor event or gathering. The CDC recommends taking a test as close to the gathering's start time as possible.
Accuracy
PCR tests are highly sensitive and therefore results are typically extremely accurate. For COVID-19 antigen self-test kits, positive results are highly reliable. Negative tests do not necessarily mean that there is no infection: it means that the test did not detect the virus. As such, some rapid tests rely on serial testing over several days. Should the test give a negative result and the user exhibits symptoms, it is recommended that another test be taken after the indicated amount of time.
Types of Sample Collection
There are sample collection methods that COVID test kits require and may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Nasal swab. This collection method takes a sample from just inside the nostrils. It is the most common for COVID-19 self-test kits.
Nasal Mid Turbinate Swab (NMT swab). This method uses a longer swab in order to obtain a sample from further inside the nose.
Nasopharyngeal swab. The sample is collected deep within the nose and the back of the throat. For this reason, this type of sample should only be used by a trained healthcare professional.
Oropharyngeal swab. This method takes a sample from the pharynx, beyond the mouth. This type of sample should only be used by a trained healthcare professional.
Saliva samples. Instead of taking a swab sample, users collect saliva by spitting into a tube.
Do the tests detect the Omicron variant?
That depends on the test. Each test will state whether it detects Omicron on its product page.
What if the test details do not mention Omicron?
Then the test may not accurately detect Omicron.
Which tests can be used for airline travel?
That depends on the travel destination. Some locations will accept rapid tests while others will require PCR tests. Please check the guidelines for the destination before making a selection.
Do self-test results need to be reported?
The CDC strongly encourages those with positive self-tests to report the result to their healthcare provider.
Will the tests work if the user is vaccinated?
Yes. These tests provide accurate results regardless of the user's vaccination status.
Do self-tests detect antibodies?
No.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Footnotes
- 1, 2 Covid-19 Test Basics. FDA, Accessed 19 May 2022.
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