At-Home COVID Tests: How Reliable Are They, Really?

Updated: Sep. 2, 2021

Originally Published: Sep. 2, 2021

A few weeks ago, my daughter woke up with severe allergies. At least, that’s what I thought, especially since the goldenrod flowers have bloomed here in Maine, and she always struggles with allergies during this time of year. However, my partner suggested that it would be wise for her to take an at-home COVID test just to be cautious. He made a valid point. In today’s world, we can no longer safely assume that symptoms are merely “allergies” or “a cold.”

Given that she frequently interacts with the public, it was a sensible step to take—particularly since these tests are readily available in stores, are quick to administer, and are a small precaution everyone should consider, vaccinated or not. It’s reassuring to have access to these tests which provide rapid results; her test came back negative. To be extra sure, as it was our first experience with at-home testing, we took her to a clinic for a professional test as well. The nurse informed us that not hearing back would indicate good news.

The negative result from the at-home test turned out to be accurate; we received the same outcome from the clinic visit.

However, when new products enter the market—especially ones as crucial as COVID detection—we naturally wonder about their reliability and which tests are the most dependable if we need one. Even if vaccinated, it’s prudent to keep a few tests on hand as cold and flu season approaches. This will save you from making unnecessary trips to the pharmacy whenever a family member exhibits symptoms. The emergence of the Delta Variant, which is impacting even vaccinated individuals, makes at-home testing even more essential.

According to the CDC, the Delta Variant is “more than 2x as contagious as previous variants” and can lead to more severe illness. While unvaccinated individuals face the highest risk of contracting this strain, there have been breakthrough cases among vaccinated people.

The Washington Post highlights that there are various rapid antigen tests approved by the FDA that experts endorse. These tests can be conducted at home, yield results in about fifteen minutes, and are effective at detecting the virus—unlike antibody tests, which only confirm past infections or vaccinations. Antibody tests will not reveal current infections and take nearly two weeks for results.

Tests capable of detecting the virus and providing rapid results include Abbott BinaxNOW, Ellume Covid-19 Home, and Quidel QuickVue tests. Yale Medicine states that “antigen test sensitivity varies depending on the time in the course of one’s infection, but is considered to have moderate to high sensitivity during peak viral load.” They are more reliable when the person exhibits symptoms, so it’s wise to conduct multiple tests over several days to avoid false negatives.

While at-home testing kits are convenient, it’s important to remember that the most accurate method for screening COVID is through a doctor’s office, pharmacy, or testing site where molecular (or polymerase chain reaction) tests are administered. This option may be more cost-effective in the long run. If the cost of at-home tests is prohibitive, many communities offer them for free. For instance, in Ohio, the Department of Health has made at-home COVID test kits available free of charge at public libraries and community health centers.

Dr. Martinello informs The Washington Post that “PCR tests are considered the most accurate available.” However, there remains a slight risk of false positives. Since these tests are performed by trained professionals and sent to a lab, results may take from one day to a week. While there are currently no over-the-counter PCR tests available, they are expected to be released this fall.

If you plan to purchase an over-the-counter test now or for future use, be sure to check the packaging for FDA approval, or consult here. At-home tests are also particularly useful if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID, recently visited a crowded place, or are preparing for travel.

So when you’re out next, consider picking up a couple of tests. Just remember, for the most reliable COVID screening, visiting a healthcare professional for a PCR test is still the best option.

If you’re interested in related topics, be sure to check out this post on addiction recovery and learn more about home insemination kits at Make a Mom. For those seeking comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, Mayo Clinic’s IVF resource is an excellent guide.

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Summary:

At-home COVID tests provide a quick and convenient way to check for the virus, especially as cold and flu season approaches. While they can yield reliable results, especially if symptoms are present, the most accurate method remains getting a PCR test from a healthcare professional. Staying informed about the different test options and being prepared can help ease anxiety during these uncertain times.

Keyphrase: At-home COVID tests accuracy

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