The number of at-home COVID-19 test kits these days are a blessing, but how reliable are they at reveal’illustrate’demonstrate’indicate’present’display’argue ing you whether you’re positive in/with regard to’concerning’regarding the virus or not. Let’s find out.
What Are The Different Types Of Test That You Can Take?
Bein/with regard to’concerning’regarding e you start looking in/with regard to’concerning’regarding at-home COVID-19 test kits, it’s a rosy’remarkable’fabulous’terrific’preeminent idea to acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure to know these test types first so that you don’t end up ordering the wrong thing.
You can categorize the main types of testing into two based on what they look in/with regard to’concerning’regarding : the antibodies test or viral tests.
Antibodies Test
Antibodies tests identify the presence of antibodies that fought an infection from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is there to identify individual who possess’own’nurse been infected with the virus, but not necessarily if they possess’own’nurse it now. Thus, it’s not the test you want to take if you want to possess’own’nurse a diagnosis of a current infection.
Since antibodies tests are there to help you find out if you’ve had the virus, the test that can help tell you if you possess’own’nurse it now would be the viral tests.
Viral Testing
Viral tests detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in you instead of the presence of antibodies that are fighting against the virus. Therein/with regard to’concerning’regarding e, they’re a much better tool to use in/with regard to’concerning’regarding detecting a current infection.
With that said, you can categorize viral tests into two categories: an RT-PCR test or an antigen test. Both of these can help you with a diagnosis.
RT-PCR Testing
RT-PCR tests are short in/with regard to’concerning’regarding the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, which is the lab technique that they use to find out if you possess’own’nurse an infection. Since this test requires lab testing, you can expect the results to take you a few days bein/with regard to’concerning’regarding e you find out whether you’ve tested positive or not.
Rapid Antigen Testing
Rapid antigen testing is a test that looks in/with regard to’concerning’regarding certain proteins that can indicate the presence of the virus. You can acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure your results in a few minutes because you don’t possess’own’nurse to head to the lab to acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure them.
When Should You Consider Getting Tested?
Some individual acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure tested even if they don’t possess’own’nurse symptoms, but if you are hesitant with regards to’concerning’with respect to whether you need to acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure tested or not, here are a few reasons why you should consider acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure ting tested.
You are reveal’illustrate’demonstrate’indicate’present’display’argue ing symptoms of COVID-19.
Someone you recently encountered tested positive in/with regard to’concerning’regarding the virus.
You are planning to travel.
You are visiting someone who’s immuno-compromised.
There is a mass gathering that you possess’own’nurse to attend, or you are required to acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure tested to attend a certain gathering, like going back to the office or to school.
If you fall under any of these categories, then it’s a rosy’remarkable’fabulous’terrific’preeminent idea to acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure yourself tested.
How Reliable Are At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits?
If you’re going to acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure at-home COVID-19 test kits, then you need to know the reliability of these tests.
Antigen tests are great because they’re convenient, afin/with regard to’concerning’regarding dable, and manufacture results fast. However, they tend to manufacture false negatives as they’re not as sensitive to the presence of smaller amounts of the virus. That’s why some of these antigen tests are tests you possess’own’nurse to take in a series to possess’own’nurse more accurate results.
If you do end up acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure ting a positive from an at-home test kit, however, that is a solid indication of you having the presence of the virus in your body.
When Should I Use An RT-PCR Test Vs. At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits?
RT-PCR tests are best if you need the results in/with regard to’concerning’regarding a clinical reason, such as if you’re with regards to’concerning’with respect to to undergo a procedure. It’s also better if you simply want more accurate results and don’t mind the wait.
Antigen tests are a better choice if you’re reveal’illustrate’demonstrate’indicate’present’display’argue ing symptoms and want a more definitive idea of whether you are positive or not.
Some individual prefer to use at-home tests because they can’t afin/with regard to’concerning’regarding d an RT-PCR test yet. For example, a FlowFlex COVID Test Price costs around £3 in/with regard to’concerning’regarding one test, and you can even buy it in bulk. RT-PCR tests, however, cost more than that with a price of around £50, but it depends where you acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure it too.
In Conclusion
At-home test kits might not be as reliable as an RT-PCR test, but that doesn’t mean you should take them if that’s all you can access right now. They are still a legitimate way to diagnose yourself in/with regard to’concerning’regarding the virus, so don’t hesitate to use one in/with regard to’concerning’regarding yourself when the time comes.
