What you need to know
- At-home rapid tests are helpful when you have symptoms, when you have been exposed, and before traveling or attending a gathering.
- A negative test result does not rule out infection. If you have been exposed and have symptoms, take two tests 48 hours apart.
- If you have been exposed but do not have symptoms, the FDA recommends taking three tests to make sure you’re not infected.
Early in the pandemic, COVID-19 testing was conducted almost exclusively with PCR tests. Since then, much has changed, including the availability and quality of rapid antigen tests that people can self-administer.
These at-home rapid tests can serve as a crucial tool for reducing COVID-19 transmission. They offer easier access, fast turnaround times, and reduced stress on lab capacity. Knowing when and how to use at-home rapid tests is key.
When should I take an at-home rapid test?
At-home rapid tests are helpful for most situations, including when you have symptoms, when you have been exposed, and before you travel or attend a gathering. The timing of testing in each of these scenarios is important. If you have symptoms, test immediately. If you were exposed but have no symptoms, test five days after exposure. Test right before traveling, attending a gathering, or spending time with people who are at risk for serious illness.
My rapid test came back negative. Am I in the clear?
Taking just one rapid test is not always enough to rule out infection. A negative result means the test did not detect the virus at that time, but it doesn’t guarantee that you aren’t infected. If you have symptoms, the FDA recommends taking two tests 48 hours apart to reduce the risk of getting a false negative. If you were exposed but have no symptoms, the FDA recommends taking three tests, each 48 hours apart.
My rapid test came back positive. What should I do now?
A positive result means you are most likely infectious with COVID-19. To protect others around you, use a high-quality mask around others and avoid being around people at high risk for serious illness.
The CDC says you can resume normal activities if your symptoms are improving and if you haven’t had a fever for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication. However, you can still be contagious with COVID-19—typically for about 10 days—even if you’re symptom-free or your symptoms are improving.
How can I use rapid tests while recovering from COVID-19?
Besides telling you if you have contracted COVID-19, rapid tests can also determine whether you have recovered from the virus and are no longer infectious. If you took Paxlovid to treat COVID-19 and are experiencing a return of symptoms a few days later, take a rapid test to check if you are once again infectious in a case of Paxlovid rebound.