

If you receive a positive result initially or after a repeat test, this means the test detected the SARS-CoV-2 virus and you most likely have COVID-19.After you use an at-home COVID-19 antigen test: When you use an at-home COVID-19 antigen test:įollow the test's step by step instructions exactly to perform the test and to read the test's results. A negative POC COVID-19 antigen test result should also be followed up with repeat testing and an at-home test could be used. Be aware the FDA expects similar performance with Point of Care (POC) COVID-19 antigen tests performed at a clinic or doctor's office.Visit At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests for a list of all FDA-authorized home tests and for more information about who can use a test and for what ages. You do not need to use the same brand of test each time for repeat testing. If you plan to use at-home COVID-19 antigen tests, have several tests on hand so you can test more than once.This is the reason why repeat testing is important. COVID-19 antigen tests may not detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus early in an infection, meaning testing soon after you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 could lead to a false-negative result, especially if you don't have symptoms. Be aware that at-home COVID-19 antigen tests are less accurate than molecular tests.Recommendations: Before you use a COVID-19 antigen test: At-home COVID-19 antigen tests, while not perfect, provide a fast and convenient COVID-19 testing option. COVID-19 diagnostic testing remains a cornerstone of our nation's fight against COVID-19. Today's recommendations are based on the latest study results from people with likely omicron infection showing that repeat testing after a negative at-home COVID-19 antigen test result increases the chance of an accurate result. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health scientists have continued to learn about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the impact of variants on diagnostic tests that detect SARS-CoV-2. Today, the FDA is highlighting the continued need for repeat testing when people get a negative result with an at-home COVID-19 antigen test, including recommending additional testing over a longer period of time. This means people should use multiple tests over a certain time period, such as 2-3 days, especially when the people using the tests don't have COVID-19 symptoms.

Currently, all at-home COVID-19 antigen tests are FDA-authorized for repeat use. This is especially true early in an infection or in people who do not have COVID-19 symptoms. At-home COVID-19 antigen tests are less likely to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus than molecular tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.

The FDA recommends repeat testing following a negative result whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms.Īt-home COVID-19 antigen tests detect proteins, called antigens, from the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
AT HOME COVOD TEST SERIAL
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising people to perform repeat testing, also called serial testing, following a negative result on any at-home COVID-19 antigen test, to reduce the risk an infection may be missed (false negative result) and to help prevent people from unknowingly spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus to others. Perform repeat, or serial testing following a negative result on any at-home COVID-19 antigen test, whether or not you have symptoms.
