Taking an At-Home COVID-19 Test? Here's what to know

Testing yourself for COVID-19 can be more convenient than getting a clinic or lab test. As more at-home/self-test become easily accessible, people are opting to test themselves at home. However, even though tests are more convenient you should still follow the appropriate protocols as if you were to get screened in a clinic. Testing yourself for COVID-19 can be more convenient than getting a clinic or lab test. As more at-home tests become easily accessible, people are opting to test themselves at home. However, even though these tests are more convenient you should still follow the appropriate protocols as if you were to get screened in a clinic.

Dr. Schuyler Williams, Touro’s Internal Medicine Physician is here to discuss what to keep in mind when taking an at-home COVID test and what to do should you get a positive result.

COVID-19 At-Home Tests

At-home tests for COVID-10 give rapid results and can be taken anywhere, regardless of your vaccination status or whether or not you have symptoms.

• The at-home tests detect current infection
• They give your results in a few minutes and are different from laboratory-based tests that may take days to return your result

Keep in mind:

• At-home tests do not detect antibodies which would suggest a previous infection and they do not measure your level of immunity. 

RELATED: Can I get COVID-19 more than once? Am I immune if I already had it?

When should you take an at-home COVID-19 test?

• Immediately if you're experiencing any symptoms
• Immediately before you are going to an event or gathering 
  • This is especially important before gathering with individuals who are high risk
• If you're fully vaccinated and have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should still take a test five to seven days after exposure
• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19
  • At least 5 days after your exposure
  • If you test negative, consider testing again one to two days after your first test 

What should I do if my results are negative?

•  If your test result comes back negative, it did not detect the virus but it doesn't rule out an infection
• Some at-home tests are designed to be used in a series. Consider repeating the test 24 to 48 hours later. Multiple negative tests increases the confidence that you are not infected with the virus

What should I do if my results are positive?

• Stay home for at least five days and isolate from others in your home
• Tell close contacts
• Wear a fitted mask, preferably an N95 or KN95
• Watch for symptoms. If you have any emergency warning signs, seek emergency care immediately
• Report positive results to your healthcare provider
  • The CDC strongly encourages everyone that use a self-test to report any positive results to your healthcare provider. Healthcare providers can ensure that those who have tested positive for COVID-19 receive the most appropriate medical care, including specific treatments if necessary. Especially if your symptoms get worse. As well as, if you are an older adult and/or have an underlying medical condition.

The importance of reporting your positive results

According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, only a small percentage of coronavirus cases in the US are being detected, meaning the number of cases are much higher than officially reported. Why is this? The main contributing factor is the use of self-tests as opposed to having a COVID-19 test in a clinic. This means, less cases are being reported to health care providers or local public health departments.

The importance of reporting your positive result is to allow public health agencies to take actions to mitigate the disease spread.

Where can you get a COVID-19 test?

Free at-home tests can be ordered online at COVIDtests.gov. Placing an order is easy- just provide your name and address and they will mail one to you. Also, some local health departments and community health centers may provide them at no cost.

You can also purchase at-home tests from most pharmacies or even online. Depending on your health insurance, you may be able to get reimbursed for purchasing an at-home test.

Talk with your healthcare provider

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your at-home COVID test, reach out to your healthcare provider they can help you navigate what to do should you get a positive result.

Dr. Williams specializes in Primary Care at Touro. She attended Meharry Medical Coll School of Medicine and completed her residency at Tulane University and is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.