but lead to others (“Now what?").
It’s just as important to understand the limits of a test.
But an at-home test can give incorrect results too.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
It also presents precautions that are still necessary, even if you take frequent at-home tests.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Which COVID Test Is More Accurate?
At-home COVID tests can be purchased from a pharmacy, retail store, or online.
The most common time frame is 15 or 20 minutes.
There are dozens of those PCR tests as well, with a longer delay until you receive results.
Types of COVID-19 Tests
Diagnostic COVID-19 tests are meant for diagnosing an active COVID-19 infection.
They require specimen collection from the nose or saliva.
Self-tests do not detect antibodies, and this test shouldnotbe performed to diagnose an active COVID-19 infection.
Some antibody tests may be positive in vaccinated people, since their bodies have also created certain antibodies.
Is a Positive At-Home Result Accurate?
During cold and flu season, symptoms like nasal congestion and fatigue don’t necessarily mean COVID-19.
But it can be challenging to tell the illnesses apart, since they share certain symptoms.
As with any kind of medical testing, false negatives and false positives can happen.
These decrease the accuracy of a test.
This situation is more common with antigen tests, compared with PCR tests.
Keep in mind that COVID-19 variants may have mutations that make them undetectable by the specific test.
False positive results are much less common and can happen due to a problem with the test kit itself.
They can also occur for a period of time after a person has recovered from COVID-19.
False Negatives and At-Home COVID Tests
COVID-19 rapid antigen at-home tests can give a false negative result.
That’s why rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 are most accurate at least five days after exposure.
Contact your healthcare provider for additional guidance.
Most cases of COVID-19 do not.
At-home careshould include lots of rest and plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Cold and flu medications like decongestants and expectorants can also help relieve symptoms.
While most people do not experience severe symptoms, some have mild symptoms initially that worsen several days later.
The information in this article is current as of the date listed.
As new research becomes available, well update this article.
For the latest on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
UC Health.Free at-home COVID-19 tests are available again.
How and when should you use them?
Food and Drug Administration.List of authorized at-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Guidance for antigen testing for SARS-CoV-2 for healthcare providers testing individuals in the community.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.At-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory virus guidance update frequently asked questions.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of COVID-19 treatment.
