Hey friends! With the omicron variant of COVID-19 now making up about 95% of all infections in the U.S., it’s crucial to understand whether you’re actually sick or just feeling under the weather—especially if you’re planning to be around others. While PCR tests are the gold standard for diagnosing COVID, at-home tests are a solid option when you’re asymptomatic or simply being cautious. So, let’s go over some key do’s and don’ts to ensure you’re testing correctly at home.
When to Reach for a Self-Test
If you suspect you have COVID due to symptoms or significant exposure, a PCR test is your best bet. However, for those times when you’re symptom-free and just being careful, at-home tests can be super convenient. You can grab one easily, even if finding them can be a bit tricky. It’s also a good idea to self-test before heading to any indoor gatherings, especially if vulnerable individuals like elderly folks or unvaccinated kids will be around.
According to the CDC, these home tests offer a quick alternative for reducing risks, whether you’re symptomatic or not. They can be taken just about anywhere, and they deliver results fast.
How to Properly Conduct an At-Home COVID Test
First things first, store your test according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and don’t open it until you’re ready to use it. Here’s a quick checklist to follow when you’re ready to test:
- Clean the surface where you’ll be testing (like your kitchen counter).
- Set a timer—some steps need specific timing.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Wash your hands well (20 seconds is key!).
- Inspect the test for any damage before use.
- Collect your sample (nasal or saliva, depending on what kind you have).
- Follow the instructions to complete the test.
- Check the results within the specified time frame.
Be mindful that not following instructions or reading results too late can lead to errors. If that happens, you might need to reach out to the manufacturer or redo the test. After testing, dispose of the materials properly, clean the area, and wash your hands again—no reusing!
A little tip: some experts suggest doing a throat swab alongside your nasal swab for potentially better accuracy. Just be sure not to eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes before testing to avoid false positives.
What to Do If Your Results Are Positive
If you test positive, quarantine for 10 days and notify your healthcare provider and anyone you’ve been in contact with. This isn’t just about being polite—it helps keep everyone safe. Avoid indoor gatherings, wear a mask around others, and isolate as much as possible.
If your test is negative but you have symptoms, definitely get a PCR test because false negatives can occur for various reasons. And even if you feel fine after a negative result, it’s smart to do a couple more tests over the following days, especially before any events. Space them out by at least 24 hours for the best accuracy.
For more in-depth information on home testing and fertility, check out our other blog post here. You might also want to explore the excellent resources provided by UCSF on fertility insurance.
In summary, being informed about how to properly use at-home COVID tests is super important, especially during these times. So, if you’re looking for a reliable option for insemination, you can check out Make a Mom for a re-usable solution or look into their BabyMaker home intracervical insemination kit combo for a foolproof way to go about it. And if you’re part of the sperm donor community, consider joining this Facebook group for support and connections.
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