At-home COVID-19 tests are widely available, offering a convenient way to determine infection. They help individuals quickly assess their status and take measures to limit transmission. This guide covers the process, from preparing for the test to understanding and acting upon the results.
Preparing for Your Test
Before beginning the test, gather all necessary materials and prepare your testing area. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer, to prevent contamination. Read the instruction leaflet for your specific test kit, as procedures can vary.
Confirm the expiration date on the test kit; expired tests may yield inaccurate results. Ensure all listed components are present and undamaged before you start. These typically include a sterile nasal swab, a test tube with solution, a nozzle cap, and a test cassette. Choose a clean, dry, flat surface for the test, away from contamination sources.
Performing the Test
Open the test kit and lay out all components on your clean surface. Collect a nasal sample using the sterile swab. Gently insert the swab tip into one nostril, about half an inch to an inch deep, until you feel slight resistance. Rotate the swab firmly against the nostril wall for 10-15 seconds to collect discharge.
Remove the swab from the first nostril and insert it into the second, repeating the rotation. After collecting from both nostrils, place the swab tip into the extraction buffer tube, ensuring it’s submerged. Swirl the swab vigorously for 10-15 seconds to mix the sample with the liquid.
Once mixed, squeeze the tube sides while removing the swab to extract liquid. Discard the used swab as per instructions, usually in a sealed bag. Affix the nozzle cap onto the extraction tube. Invert the tube and dispense the specified drops (usually 2-5) into the sample well on the test cassette. Wait 15-30 minutes for results.
Understanding Your Results
After the waiting period (15-30 minutes), interpret results by examining lines on the test cassette. A positive result shows two distinct colored lines: one next to “C” (Control) and one next to “T” (Test). Even a faint “T” line indicates a positive result. This suggests viral proteins were detected, indicating a likely current infection.
A negative result shows only one colored line next to “C” (Control). This indicates the test functioned correctly but did not detect viral proteins. It suggests no active infection at the time of testing, but doesn’t rule out infection, especially if tested early after exposure.
An invalid result occurs if no line appears in the “C” region, or if only a “T” line appears without a “C” line. This means the test did not perform correctly and the outcome cannot be trusted. If invalid, discard the used test and perform a new test with a fresh kit.
What to Do After Testing
If your test is positive, you likely have COVID-19. Isolate yourself to prevent spread, following public health guidelines, which often recommend isolation for at least five days from symptom onset or positive test date. Contact a healthcare provider for guidance on treatment options and to inform your close contacts about their potential exposure.
If your test is negative, the virus was not detected. However, a single negative result does not fully exclude an infection, especially if you have symptoms or recent exposure, as the viral load might be too low to detect. Continued vigilance, including wearing a mask and physical distance, is advised. Retesting 48 hours after the initial negative test is often recommended if symptoms persist or exposure is suspected.
For an invalid result, discard the kit and perform a new test. Dispose of all used components (swab, cassette, vials) in a sealed plastic bag before regular trash. Avoid flushing components. Clean and disinfect the testing surface.