A few weeks ago, my daughter woke up with severe allergy symptoms. I initially assumed it was just seasonal allergies, especially since the goldenrod has started blooming here in Maine. However, my partner suggested it would be wise for her to take an at-home COVID test to rule out the possibility of something more serious. Given the current climate, it’s important to not automatically dismiss symptoms as “just allergies” or “just a cold.”
Since she interacts with the public daily, taking the test seemed prudent—especially since they’re readily available in stores, quick to use, and a responsible choice for anyone, vaccinated or not. The convenience and rapid results provide peace of mind, and her test came back negative. To be thorough, we also arranged for a test at the doctor’s office, and the nurse reassured us that no news would be good news. Fortunately, the results aligned; both tests confirmed she was negative.
However, with the introduction of any new product—especially those crucial for detecting COVID—it’s natural to question their reliability. Even if you are vaccinated, having a few tests handy is wise, particularly as cold and flu season approaches. With the emergence of the Delta variant, which the CDC states is “more than twice as contagious than earlier strains,” at-home testing becomes even more essential. While unvaccinated individuals face the highest risk, breakthrough infections do occur in vaccinated people, making regular testing a prudent measure.
According to The Washington Post, there are numerous FDA-approved rapid antigen tests available for home use. These tests yield results in about 15 minutes and can effectively detect active COVID infections—unlike antibody tests, which only indicate past infections or vaccinations. The Washington Post lists several reliable tests, including Abbott BinaxNOW, Ellume COVID-19 Home Test, and Quidel QuickVue.
Yale Medicine notes that the sensitivity of antigen tests can vary depending on the stage of infection but is generally moderate to high during peak viral loads. They are more accurate when symptoms are present, so it’s advisable to conduct multiple tests over a few days to minimize the risk of false negatives.
While at-home testing kits offer convenience, the most accurate method for screening for COVID remains the molecular (or polymerase chain reaction) test, typically conducted at a healthcare facility. Given the cumulative cost of at-home tests, this may be the more economical choice. For those unable to purchase tests, many communities offer free kits. For instance, in Ohio, the state health department distributes at-home COVID test kits at libraries and health centers.
Dr. Martinello emphasizes to The Washington Post that PCR tests are the gold standard for accuracy. However, even these tests carry a slight chance of false positives due to their high sensitivity. Since these tests are administered by trained professionals and sent to laboratories, results may take from a day to a week to arrive. While PCR tests are not currently available over the counter, they are anticipated to be released this fall.
If you’re planning to pick up an over-the-counter test, be sure to check that it’s FDA-approved by reviewing the packaging or consulting resources online. At-home tests are particularly useful shortly after potential exposure to COVID, after attending crowded events, or before traveling. So next time you’re at the store, consider grabbing a few—just remember that the most reliable way to test for COVID remains a visit to a healthcare provider for a PCR test.
For more insights on related topics, check out this helpful post on home insemination and learn from the authority on home insemination kits at Make a Mom. You can also explore excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
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Summary:
At-home COVID tests provide a quick and convenient way to check for infections, especially as cold and flu season approaches and the Delta variant spreads. While these tests are generally reliable, particularly during symptomatic phases, the most accurate results come from PCR tests conducted in medical settings. It’s wise to keep a few at-home tests on hand for peace of mind and to ensure safety in various situations.
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