At-home COVID-19 antigen tests offer a convenient way to screen for SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. These tests work by detecting specific viral proteins and provide results quickly, often within 15 to 30 minutes. Parents frequently wonder about the applicability and safety of these tests for infants and young children. This guide provides information on using at-home COVID-19 tests for babies, detailing proper administration, result interpretation, and when to seek professional medical advice.
Age and Safety Considerations
Most at-home COVID-19 antigen tests are authorized for use in individuals aged 2 years and older, with adult supervision required for younger users. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not specifically authorized at-home rapid antigen tests for children under 2 years of age, some state health departments allow their use in this age group, particularly if a child has symptoms or has been exposed. This is considered an “off-label” use, meaning the test was not specifically studied or approved for that age group by the FDA.
Despite the general age recommendations, some pediatricians suggest that if a child under 2 has suspected COVID-19 symptoms, testing them at home is reasonable, provided the swab fits comfortably in their nostril. Parents should ensure the baby is calm and supervised throughout the testing process to minimize discomfort and ensure safety. Careful technique is necessary to avoid causing trauma to the baby’s delicate nasal passages.
How to Administer the Test
Administering an at-home COVID-19 test to a baby requires gentle technique and careful preparation. Begin by thoroughly washing your hands and ensuring all test components are at room temperature and organized in a clutter-free area. For infants, having a second adult present can be beneficial, with one adult gently holding and comforting the baby while the other performs the swab.
Gently tilt the baby’s head back slightly. Carefully insert the swab into one nostril, typically no more than 1 to 2 centimeters (about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch), or until a slight resistance is felt. Avoid inserting the swab too deeply into the nasopharynx, which is the deeper part of the nasal cavity. Rotate the swab against the inside wall of the nostril for at least 5 to 10 seconds, ensuring it makes good contact to collect sufficient sample material. Use the same swab to repeat the process in the other nostril. After collection, immediately place the swab into the provided solution tube and follow the kit’s specific instructions for mixing and applying the sample to the test cartridge.
Understanding Your Baby’s Test Results
After administering the test, wait the time specified in the kit’s instructions, usually 15 to 30 minutes, before interpreting the results. A positive result typically shows two lines: a control line (C) and a test line (T). Even a faint line in the test region indicates a positive result. A positive at-home antigen test result is generally considered reliable, and if your baby has symptoms along with a positive result, isolation guidelines should be followed.
A negative result will show only a control line (C) and no test line (T). While a negative result suggests the virus was not detected, at-home antigen tests have limitations. They may not be as sensitive as PCR tests, especially if the viral load is low, such as early in an infection or if the baby is asymptomatic. Therefore, a negative result does not completely rule out COVID-19.
If symptoms persist after a negative test, or if there was a known exposure, retesting within a day or two, or seeking a more sensitive PCR test, may be advisable. An invalid test result, indicated by the absence of a control line or an incomplete test, means the test did not work correctly and should be discarded, with a new test performed.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
At-home COVID-19 tests serve as a screening tool, but they are not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or care, especially for infants. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if your baby exhibits severe symptoms, regardless of the test result.
These include difficulty breathing, such as rapid breathing, grunting, flaring nostrils, or chest retractions where the skin pulls in around the ribs or collarbone. Other urgent signs include bluish lips or face, new confusion, extreme lethargy, or an inability to wake up.
For infants under 3 months, any fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher warrants immediate medical attention. In older babies, a fever that does not respond to fever-reducing medication or lasts more than three days also requires a doctor’s consultation. Persistent vomiting or diarrhea, signs of dehydration (like decreased urination or dry mouth), or a worsening of symptoms after initial improvement also indicate a need for professional evaluation. A healthcare provider can determine if further testing, such as a PCR test, is needed or if alternative diagnoses should be considered.