Another tool in preventing the spread of COVID-19 has become free and widely available: at-home COVID-19 tests.
State and federal programs will even mail a limited supply of free tests straight to your home.
See more: Covid 19 rapid antigen test
While tests are an accessible way to help make informed decisions, it’s important to know when and how to use these tests — and not let the result replace your common sense — said Dr. Michelle Barron, senior medical director of infection prevention and control for UCHealth and a professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Here’s what you should know about rapid COVID-19 antigen tests you can take at home:
What is an at-home COVID-19 test?
At-home COVID-19 tests are antigen tests, which detect surface proteins that live on the virus, and results come back quickly — usually in about 15 minutes — Barron said. All at-home tests are antigen tests.
PCR tests look for the genetic material of the COVID-19 virus and are considered the most reliable way to test for COVID-19, according to the state.
Think of it this way: An antigen test is “like if you’re looking at my hair and eye color,” while a PCR test is more like “looking at my actual DNA,” Barron said. “That’s obviously quite different in terms of how specific it is.”
PCR tests are the most accurate way to detect current COVID-19 infection, and Barron said they’re very unlikely to return a false negative or false positive result. Antigen tests are accurate about 80% of the time, Barron said.
While antigen tests are less reliable, they are more convenient, Barron said. PCR tests require you to go to a lab, pharmacy, hospital or other site to be tested, but you can swab yourself at home with an antigen test.
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When should I take an at-home test?
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At-home tests are best used when you’re symptomatic and need or want to know if you have COVID-19, Barron said.
If you don’t have symptoms, wait five days after you were exposed to take an at-home test, according to UCHealth.
As of mid-February, with high levels of the virus still circulating in the community, Barron said it’s safe to assume you have COVID-19 if you’re symptomatic.
But as the prevalence of the virus in the community decreases, knowing if your runny nose is a cold or COVID-19 could be important to you, and that’s where at-home tests come in.
Using at-home tests when you’re asymptomatic to determine whether you may have COVID-19 is not “a free pass,” Barron said. Tests give you a snapshot of whether or not you have the virus at that moment, so it’s possible for you to test negative and have no symptoms one day and be sick the next.
“If you’re using a test to modify your behavior, you’re probably going to still be putting yourself at risk,” Barron said.
There are some instances where taking an at-home test could be beneficial even if you don’t have symptoms, Barron said, like if you’re planning on attending a gathering with someone vulnerable or at high-risk for becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. If testing positive could have implications on upcoming travel or your job, an at-home test could be an option.
“I don’t want it to replace common sense,” Barron said. “… You still need to use some common sense in what risk you’re willing to take, and that’s totally on the individual.”
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What should I do if I test positive with an at-home test?
If you test positive, assume the test is accurate and isolate away from others, Barron said.
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If you’re high risk for becoming seriously ill from COVID-19, a positive test result could make treatment options available. People should contact their primary care doctor for more information if they think they qualify for COVID-19 treatment.
Getting test results back quickly is key in accessing treatment, which has shown to be more effective the earlier in the disease treatment is started, which is why rapid at-home tests could be beneficial.
If you start experiencing breathing problems of severe symptoms, call 911 or seek medical help.
What should I do if I test negative with an at-home test but I have symptoms?
If you’re symptomatic and test negative with an at-home test, Barron said you should still go get a PCR test to confirm — do not assume the test was accurate.
“Don’t allow this to override your common sense,” Barron said. “If you think you have COVID and there’s a lot of COVID circulating, you probably have COVID.”
Where can I get rapid COVID-19 antigen tests?
Costco, Amazon, Walmart, Walgreens, King Soopers and Target stores and pharmacies sell at-home tests in-store or online, but their stock can vary.
You can order free at-home rapid antigen tests through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment or the federal government.
To have the state mail you tests, visit daypg.com/covid-19-testing-at-home.
To have the federal government mail you tests, visit daypg.com/.
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Sady Swanson covers public safety, criminal justice, Larimer County government and more throughout Northern Colorado. You can send your story ideas to her at sswanson@daypg.com or on Twitter at @sadyswan. Support her work and that of other Coloradoan journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.
