The extreme shortage of kits has led some to resell them on platforms like Craigslist, eBay, Facebook, Instagram and even TikTok, often at an inflated price and with fraudulent merchandise. Facebook's parent company, Meta, told CNN Business it prohibits the sale of test kits on any of its platforms. Antigen tests can be taken at home and return results in about 10 to 15 minutes.
PCR tests are more accurate but require lab work and generally don't provide results for at least 12 hours or even up to 5 days. Both tests typically use nasal swab samples, though some collect saliva: PCR tests administered by a professional may require a nasopharyngeal sample that involves a much deeper nostril swab.
Rapid antigen tests usually require swirling a swab in the nostril less than an inch deep. PCR tests amplify genetic material from the collected sample up to a billion times to detect even the slightest amount of COVID genes, making them highly accurate. Rapid antigen tests simply detect the presence of COVID antigens -- the substances that prompt your immune system to create antibodies -- and work much like home pregnancy tests.
Because rapid tests are simply looking for the existence of antigens, they work best when someone is symptomatic. Rapid antigen tests are less successful with early infections and asymptomatic cases. The risk of a false negative is much higher with a rapid test than a false positive.
The type of test you choose will mostly depend on your situation. Do you need results right now, and are willing to risk less accuracy? Then rapid antigen fits your bill. If you take an at-home test and it's positive for COVID, it's recommended that you share the results with your medical provider and local health department.
Methods of reporting self-tests to health departments vary wildly, though: Some have online forms, others require email and still others use phone reporting.
Check your local health department website for specific info on how to report a positive result. After receiving a positive test result, you should isolate for at least five days -- longer if you're symptomatic -- according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Though the risk of false positives from rapid tests is low, most medical experts and health officials still recommend confirming a positive at-home test with a subsequent PCR test. For more information, here's the latest on the federal vaccine mandate and everything you need to know about the Moderna booster shot.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. East Meadow. East Norwich. East Rockaway. East Williston. Far Rockaway. Floral Park. Franklin Square.
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