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- Overview
- Types of Tests
- Choosing a COVID-19 Test
- Getting a COVID-19 Test
- Interpreting Your Results
- Testing for Antibodies
Updated Sept. 25, 2023
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•Make sure to test at the right time
•Choose the right type of test for your circumstance
•Follow test directions as recommended by FDA
If you do not, your results may be less likely to correctly indicate whether you have COVID-19 or not.
PCR Tests Antigen Tests
Antigen tests* are rapid tests that usually produce results in 15-30 minutes. Positive results are very accurate and reliable. However, in general, antigen tests are less likely to detect the virus than PCR tests, especially when symptoms are not present. Therefore, a single negative antigen test cannot rule out infection. To be confident you do not have COVID-19, FDA recommends 2 negative antigen tests for individuals with symptoms or 3 antigen tests for those without symptoms, performed 48 hours apart. A single PCR test can be used to confirm an antigen test result. *Self-tests, or at-home tests, are antigen tests that can be taken anywhere without having to go to a specific testing site. Read self-test package inserts thoroughly and follow the instructions closely when performing the test. Read more: Self-Testing At Home or Anywhere
I am in a circumstance where I should get tested and:
I have not had COVID-19 or I have not had a positive test within the past 90 days.
Order Free At-Home Tests
Four (4) free at-home COVID-19 tests are available for U.S. households through the federal government at Covid.gov/tests.
Buy self-tests (at-home tests)
Buy self-tests (at-home tests) online or in pharmacies and retail stores. Private health insurance may reimburse the cost of purchasing self-tests. Visit FDA’s website for a list of authorized tests. Self-tests are antigen tests.
Go to a testing location
•Visit a community-based testing location, such as a pharmacy or health center near you. These locations may offer PCR or antigen tests, and provide low- or no-cost testing for everyone, including people without insurance. Free PCR or antigen tests may also be available through your local health department. •Talk to a doctor or healthcare provider about other testing options that may be available to you. •If you are a person with a disability, the Disability Information and Access Line can help you access a test or find a test location.
Positive
If Your COVID-19 Test Is
Negative
A negative COVID-19 test means the test did not detect the virus, but this doesn’t rule out that you could have an infection. If you used an antigen test, follow FDA recommendations for repeat testing. •If you have symptoms: •You may have COVID-19 but tested before the virus was detectable. •Consider that you may have another viral infection or illness that you need to get tested for. For many diseases, including flu, early diagnosis and prompt treatment is very important for preventing severe illness. •Take everyday preventive actions to prevent spreading an illness to others. •Contact a healthcare provider if you have any questions about your test result or if your symptoms worsen. •If you do not have symptoms but were exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, you should continue to take recommended steps after exposure. •If you do not have symptoms and have not been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, you may return to normal activities. •Continue to take steps to protect yourself and others, including monitoring for symptoms. Get tested again if symptoms appear.
Antibody tests detect antibodies that your body makes to fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Antibody tests should never be used to diagnose a current infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. An antibody test may not show if you have a current infection, because it can take 1 to 3 weeks after the infection for your body to make antibodies. Antibody tests can be used for public health surveillance or to test for conditions associated with COVID-19.
Last Updated Sept. 25, 2023
Mar 27, 2020 · The primary difference from one kit to another is which coronavirus genes each test targets. CDC-approved kits target regions on a gene that codes for the protein that makes the virus’s ...
- Jim Daley
Mar 18, 2024 · Find an overview for healthcare workers of SARS-CoV-2 testing, considerations for testing, test types, surveillance, and how to interpret test results. COVID-19 guidance, tools, and resources for healthcare workers.
May 11, 2023 · The currently authorized antigen tests include point-of-care (POC), laboratory-based, and self-tests available without a prescription. Certain tests have age limitations; refer to FDA’s website for more details. Antigen tests produce results quickly (within minutes), and most can be used at the POC or at home.
Apr 20, 2023 · Summary. What is already known about this topic? During January 2022, the White House launched COVIDTests.gov, a program through which all U.S. households could order free-to-the-user at-home test kits from the federal government, distributed by the U.S. Postal Service. What is added by this report?
Sep 7, 2023 · Types of Tests. There are different types of COVID-19 tests – diagnostic tests and antibody tests. Diagnostic tests can show if you currently are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes...
