This is compared to PCR tests, which are accurate about 95% of the time.
The FDA has approved a wide variety of at-home COVID-19 tests.
Most of these are rapid antigen tests, which provide results at home within a few minutes.
Verywell / Joules Garcia
How Accurate Are At-Home Tests?
At-home COVID-19 tests can be very accurate, but their accuracy depends on several factors.
PCR tests are done in a laboratory using an enzyme solution and extreme magnification.
But PCR tests are not perfect.
However, the virus can be shed for much longer.
This can lead to a persontesting positiveeven when they are no longer capable of spreading the virus.
There hasn’t been much research into which of the many available rapid COVID-19 tests are most accurate.
This means it’s impossible to recommend one rapid antigen test over another.
Many rapid antigen tests are meant to be used as a series.
This means if you get a negative result, you should test again in 24 to 48 hours.
More than one negative test result means you are less likely to be infected with COVID-19.
However, ongoing supply and demand problems in certain areas may cause the price to increase.
PCR testing takes longer but is more accurate.
Generally, rapid antigen tests are the better choice if you need results right away.
The CDC recommends that you take precautions to protect yourself and others.
Call a healthcare provider to discuss your diagnosis andtreatmentoptions.
Certain treatments can make your symptoms less severe and shorten the time you are sick.
How well a rapid test works depends on various factors.
For example, you might take the test when you do not have any noticeable COVID-19 symptoms.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Food and Drug Administration.At-home OTC COVID-19 diagnostic tests.
Nebraska Medicine.How accurate are at-home rapid tests for COVID-19?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Interim guidance for antigen testing for SARS-CoV-2.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.COVID-19 testing: What it’s crucial that you know.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of respiratory viruses.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Respiratory virus guidance.
