Even if you’re completely vaccinated, it’s critical to take responsibility for your health and examine your body for signs or symptoms as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreads. Because COVID symptoms and cold symptoms can be mistaken for one another, professionals advise testing yourself if you encounter viral illness symptoms. Yes, this also applies to persons who need booster shots.
Fortunately, many organizations now provide tests that you can perform at home without a prescription. How will a quick, at-home test work, though? According to The New York Times, these tests can detect viral proteins known as antigens. A nasal swab is usually included in the kits.
You’ll need to dip the swab in a tiny bottle of chemicals after swabbing the inside of your nostrils. The test then will give you your results in about 15 minutes. Just make sure to read the directions thoroughly because every test is distinct.
Although at-home testing is less precise than P.C.R. tests (polymerase chain reaction tests), they can nevertheless offer reliable findings. (Those swabs that go all the way up the nose are called P.C.R. tests.) To identify the virus, they amplify your DNA.) According to The New York Times, these fast tests will be more effective for individuals that are experiencing symptoms and are most sensitive within the first week of symptoms.
Here are some at-home tests you can use:
On/Go COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test
From start to completion, this test takes ten minutes and includes an app. The software can keep all of your family’s results and gives you step-by-step instructions on how to use it. There’s no need to go to the lab!
iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
The cost of this two-pack of tests is just below $20. Download the company’s app to your smartphone and complete the step-by-step instructions in the instructional video.
BD Veritor at-Home COVID-19 Digital Test Kit
To process the test results, you’ll require your smartphone. Snapping a snapshot after applying the nose swab guarantees that your test is straightforward to read and interpret. There will be no more guessing!
BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test
Another wonderful at-home option is BinaxNOW’s tests. It’s also lightweight and claims results in as little as 15 minutes.
Lucira Check It COVID-19 Test Kit
With this 98 percent accurate test, you’ll obtain a result within about 30 minutes. It comes with everything you’ll need and is suitable for children aged two and above. This is another kit that is FDA-approved for one use only, rather than two. So, unless new symptoms appear in the next three days, it’s a one-and-done test!
FlowFlex COVID-19 Antigen Home Test
This test is simple, straightforward, and inexpensive. However, every box only contains one, so if you’re testing the full family, purchase a few. Is there another benefit? This is an FDA-approved kit that only needs to be used once.
AccessBio CareStart COVID-19 Antigen at Home Test Kit
This set of tests is useful to have on hand whether or not you’re having symptoms. You’ll know exactly what measures you need to do next in minutes.
