Chances are you’ve seen COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits for sale in drugstores and supermarkets and online. Or perhaps you’ve received your free kits from the federal government, which is currently shipping one billion test kits to families around the nation. (You can order yours here.)
The rapid antigen tests give results in 15-20 minutes and are convenient. Self-testing is an important tool in efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus, along with vaccination, masking, washing hands and social distancing.
To get the most accurate result, it’s important to do the test properly.
“We get a lot of questions from families about how to do the tests and how accurate they are,” said Claudio Alvarado, an assistant nurse manager in the pediatric emergency department at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. “They aren’t difficult to do, but it is important to follow the directions carefully.”
In the video above and text below, Alvarado shares the steps involved in a home antigen test, including a few tips for parents helping kids through the process. He’s referencing an iHealth rapid antigen test, a common brand. Many tests work similarly, but there are differences, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions.
After 15 minutes, you’ll look for two things:
The at-home antigen tests aren’t as sensitive as PCR tests. “However, a positive COVID home test is fairly accurate and should be taken as a positive,” Alvarado said. “But there can be false negatives if it’s early in an infection. If you or your child have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID, it’s best to maintain proper precautions and re-test within a couple of days.”
“The tests don’t differentiate between the different strains of COVID-19, and there’s no literature that shows they aren’t accurate with the omicron strain,” Alvarado said.
At-home rapid antigen tests are not approved for kids under 2. “If your child under 2 is having symptoms and needs to be tested, seek out your primary care provider for a PCR test,” Alvarado said.
“When doing an at-home COVID test – or any test – on a child, it’s best to be honest with them,” he explained. “Be calm and tell them exactly what you’re doing. It’s also great to make it a hands-on experience. Before you open the kit, make sure you let them know what each step includes. Let them see each aspect and have a good reward ready at the end.”
Call your primary care physician or your child’s pediatrician, wear a mask and isolate from family and friends.
If your child tests positive, try to make them comfortable. Keep them home from school and public places, even if they are symptom-free. If they do have symptoms, keep them hydrated and ensure they are breathing comfortably. If they have a fever, Tylenol or Motrin are okay to give. Follow the dosing instructions on the box.
“Monitor symptoms and, if they worsen and include shortness of breath or the inability to get enough air in, be sure to go to your local emergency department,” Alvarado advised.
If you’re exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or if you have symptoms, you’ll want to test. Experts recommend getting tested at least 5 days after your close contact with someone with COVID-19, even if you don’t have symptoms. If you have symptoms, you can test right away.
“If you’re visiting relatives who are immunocompromised, elderly or too young to be vaccinated, or you’re going to be at a gathering where you can’t maintain social distancing, it’s also recommended to test beforehand,” Alvarado said.
He noted that two years into the pandemic, it’s tough for many of us to maintain the same level of vigilance. “COVID-19 is real. It’s here and it’s spreading. But with proper precautions – vaccination, handwashing, masking and distancing – we can get on with our lives.”
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