Weeks of testing delays and even faulty testing kits crippled the early response to theCOVID-19pandemic in the United States.
Early efforts to offer at-home testing were questionable, or at the very least unapproved by regulators.
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What Is COVID-19 Home Testing?
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Health leaders looked for ways to test for the virus without exposing people who were sick or healthcare workers.
What Are the Types of At-Home COVID Tests?
There are a few ways to detect the novel coronavirus in a test.
Active COVID-19 infections can be diagnosed using two types of tests: molecular tests and antigen tests.
Initially, these tests were available only through healthcare facilitiesand only with a healthcare provider’s order.
As the pandemic progressed and more options became available, mail-in and then at-home tests are now offered.
The testing methods have improved, and wait times for test results dropped from days to minutes.
What Is a Molecular Test?
The molecular test used to check for COVID-19 is a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
They should also take steps to reduce the spread of illness to others.
Antigen Tests
Antigen tests can also detect active coronavirus infections.
These tests identify small protein fragments called antigens that the virus sheds.
They are commonly used in the diagnosis of respiratory pathogens, including the influenza viruses.
These tests provide results in minutes.
The same technology is used to detect pregnancy andstrep throat.
How Accurate Are COVID Home Tests?
How Much Do COVID Home Tests Cost?
The cost of COVID-19 testing depends mostly on which test you purchase and where you buy it.
Where Can I Get a COVID Home Test?
COVID home tests are widely available now, from corner drugstores and grocery stores to online retailers.
Availability may vary by area.
LabCorp’s Pixel home collection kit was the first home COVID test kit approved by the FDA.
Walgreens offersfree COVID-19 PCR Test Home Collection Kits.
To use the test, customers must register their kit with Labcorp and provide their demographic information.
What If My Test Is Positive?
Certain treatments can make your symptoms less severe and shorten the length of time you are sick.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Considerations for SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing for healthcare providers testing individuals in the community.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of respiratory viruses.
Centers forDisease Control and Prevention.Respiratory virus guidance.
