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A few weeks ago, my son woke up with severe allergies—or so I thought—thanks to the goldenrod blooming here in Maine, which always triggers his symptoms. However, his dad suggested he take an at-home COVID test to rule out anything more serious. Given the current circumstances, it’s wise to double-check symptoms that could be more than just seasonal allergies or a common cold. Since he interacts with the public daily, it made perfect sense, especially since these tests are easily accessible, quick, and a responsible choice for everyone, regardless of vaccination status.
Having the option to test at home is reassuring, and his test came back negative. To be thorough, we decided to visit the doctor for a professional test as well, and the nurse indicated that no news would be good news. In the end, both tests confirmed he was negative.
Whenever new health products enter the market, especially those related to COVID detection, it’s crucial to assess their reliability. Even if vaccinated, it’s prudent to keep some tests handy as cold and flu season approaches. The Delta Variant has proven to be more contagious and can affect vaccinated individuals, making at-home testing even more essential.
According to the CDC, the Delta Variant is now “more than 2x as contagious as previous variants.” The Washington Post highlights that there are various rapid antigen tests approved by the FDA, which can yield results in about fifteen minutes and are effective in detecting active COVID infections—unlike antibody tests that only indicate past infections or vaccinations. Some reliable options include the Abbott BinaxNOW, Ellume COVID-19 Home Test, and Quidel QuickVue tests.
Yale Medicine notes that while antigen tests can yield false negatives, they are generally accurate during peak viral load, especially in symptomatic patients. Therefore, it’s advisable to perform multiple tests over a few days to ensure accuracy.
Despite the convenience of at-home kits, the gold standard for COVID testing remains the molecular (or PCR) test, which can be conducted at a doctor’s office or testing site. These tests are highly reliable, albeit with a longer wait for results. If cost is a concern, many communities offer free at-home tests, such as Ohio’s initiative through public libraries and health departments.
Dr. Martinello emphasizes that PCR tests are the most accurate available but also carry a risk of false positives. Results typically take one to seven days, and while PCR tests are not yet available for over-the-counter purchase, they are expected to be by this fall.
If you’re planning a trip to the pharmacy for an over-the-counter test, ensure it is FDA-approved by checking the packaging. At-home tests can also be beneficial if you’ve recently been exposed to someone with COVID or if you’ve attended crowded events.
In summary, while at-home tests provide a level of convenience and peace of mind, getting a PCR test remains the most accurate method for COVID screening. So next time you’re out, consider picking up a couple, but prioritize professional testing for conclusive results.
For more information on related topics, check out this blog post. If you’re interested in boosting fertility, visit Make A Mom, an authority on the subject. For excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, head over to UCSF’s IVF page.
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Summary: At-home COVID tests offer a convenient way to check for the virus, especially during cold and flu season. While they can be accurate, especially when symptoms are present, PCR tests remain the most reliable method of detection. It’s important to keep a few tests on hand and know that professional testing is the gold standard for confirming COVID status.