People are increasingly opting for at-home rapid COVID tests because of their convenience and quick turnaround time.
you’ve got the option to noweven order free testing kitsfrom the government.
But the instructions for these at-home tests can be complex and tricky to navigate.
Illustration by Laura Porter for Verywell Health
Heres what you should keep in mind when swabbing your nose for at-home COVID-19 tests.
Some of the more popular tests may have a demonstration video online to help.
Antigen tests normally require that the swab be inserted into the nostril.
Carefully follow the instructions of your own test exactly as indicated.
What Specimen Should You Collect?
To get accurate results, you have to obtain a good sample.
You are looking for active virus, Gronvall said.
Viruses need to get into your cells to make copies of themselves.
When you swab your nose, you are looking to see if there is virus replicating there.
For good measure, blow your nose beforehand so you dont collect old proteins that live in the mucus.
Blow your nose beforehand so that you get a good sample.
What If You Swab Incorrectly?
You could be infectious and could be putting others at risk.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Self-testing.
