THE DOCTOR IS IN / OP-ED BY DR. ADIL MANZOOR
The demand for COVID test kits has skyrocketed over the last month or so. This is, of course, not unexpected, considering the uptick in cases due to the Omicron variant. However, despite this increased demand, many still don’t know how to properly handle the test kits, which is what this article will target.
COVID home test kits, also called over-the-counter COVID tests, allow for easy testing of the coronavirus infection without going to a hospital or other testing centers. They may be in the form of antigen or molecular tests. You can use the self-test kits, regardless of your vaccination or infection status.
One of the prime benefits of the test kits is that they help reduce the risk of COVID exposure and infection, particularly reassuring the group of people who feel they are more predisposed to the virus at testing centers than in their regular daily activities.
Considering that these tests are typically going to be done by individuals with absolutely no experience with COVID testing, it only makes sense that they have questions and need clarifications on handling the tests. One of the questions they often ask is when to use the test.
In theory, you can use the test anytime, regardless of if you have been vaccinated or exposed to the virus. In actuality, though, the tests are usually reserved for people with symptoms of the virus, exposed to the virus (or think they might have been), before traveling, and before meeting with high-risk individuals.
The ideal time for the test is between two to five days after exposure or potential exposure for vaccinated individuals. For unvaccinated people, you should take a test shortly after you think you may have been exposed to the virus. Then, you should take another test after two to five days.
Let’s move then to perhaps the most important question about the kits – how to use them properly. The first thing to do is to ensure the kits are in good condition. Do not use test kits that look broken or damaged. After that, read through the manufacturer’s instructions. There are different test kits available today, and while the general instructions may be similar, there may be instructions particular to a manufacturer or kit.
Aside from the manufacturer’s instructions, there are a few other guidelines the CDC has recommended you follow when taking the test. They are as follows:
- First on the list, properly wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds before handling the test. If soap and water are not a feasible option, use a hand sanitizer.
- Ensure the area where you plan on performing the test is clean and disinfected. This is essential to prevent contamination of the test results.
- You should only open the testing devices when you are ready to take the test.
- Collect specimen samples, either from the nostrils or the tonsils, or even both, as specified by the manufacturer. When collecting samples, take care not to apply too much force and pressure not to hurt yourself. Also, if you feel pain, you should stop the test immediately.
- Ensure you adhere to any waiting time contained in the manufacturer’s instructions, either when collecting samples or waiting for results. Especially when reading results, doing it too fast or too slow may result in false results. Use a stopwatch if you have to.
- After you get your results, discard the test kit and all its components. Do not use a test kit on yourself two times, and certainly not on another person. If you need to conduct a new test, get a new test kit.
Home COVID tests, while not the most reliable testing method, are quite accurate. You may need to TAKE A PCR test if you are unsure of the results, considering the potential for false positives. Negative test results are very reliable, though.
If you test positive, you should self-isolate for ten days. If you’re unsure of the result, you can take another home test or contact a testing center for a more accurate test. Stay safe.
This article was written by Dr. Adil Manzoor DO, a Board Certified Internist & Board Eligible Pediatrician, who works as a Hospitalist, and Emergency Room Physician. He is also the current President of Garden State Street Medicine, a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to provide free preventive and acute urgent care services for the homeless. He is also the co-founder of his own unique medical practice Mobile Medicine NJ.
References
- https://www.forbes.com/health/body/how-to-use-at-home-covid-tests/
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/self-testing.html
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-covid-19-test-self-testing-home
