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\nIf you do not, your results may be less likely to correctly indicate whether you have COVID-19 or not.
\nViral tests look for a current infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, by testing specimens from your nose or mouth. All tests should be performed following FDA\u2019s requirements.
\nThere are two main types of viral tests:
\nPCR tests are the \u201cgold standard\u201d for COVID-19 tests. They are a type of nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), which are more likely to detect the virus than antigen tests. Your sample will usually be taken by a healthcare provider and transported to a laboratory for testing. It may take up to 3 days to receive results.
\nAntigen tests* are rapid tests that usually produce results in 15-30 minutes. Positive results are very accurate and reliable. However, in general, antigen tests are less likely to detect the virus than PCR tests, especially when symptoms are not present. Therefore, a single negative antigen test cannot rule out infection. To be confident you do not have COVID-19, FDA recommends 2 negative antigen tests for individuals with symptoms or 3 antigen tests for those without symptoms, performed 48 hours apart. A single PCR test can be used to confirm an antigen test result.
\n*Self-tests, or at-home tests, are antigen tests that can be taken anywhere without having to go to a specific testing site. Read self-test package inserts thoroughly and follow the instructions closely when performing the test.
\nRead more: Self-Testing At Home or Anywhere
\nTesting can be helpful even when you don\u2019t have symptoms or a recent exposure to COVID-19, such as before an event or visiting someone at higher risk. Test as close to the time of the event as possible (at least within 1-2 days) to help you make informed decisions about your health and your risk of spreading COVID-19 to others. If you use an antigen test, follow recommendations for repeat testing to be confident in a negative result. Additionally, some places may test people without symptoms or a recent exposure to help keep COVID-19 from spreading to others, especially those who are at higher risk for severe illness.
\nYou may choose a PCR or antigen test.
If you use an antigen test and your result is negative, repeat testing following FDA recommendations.
I have symptoms
Use an antigen test. Repeat negative tests following FDA recommendations.
I do not have symptoms
Testing is not recommended to detect a new infection.
I have symptoms
Use an antigen test. Repeat negative tests following FDA recommendations.
I do not have symptoms
Use an antigen test. Repeat negative tests following FDA recommendations.
After a positive test result, you may continue to test positive for some time. Some tests, especially PCR tests, may continue to show a positive result for up to 90 days. Reinfections can occur within 90 days, which can make it hard to know if a positive test indicates a new infection. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your circumstances.
\nBuy self-tests (at-home tests) online or in pharmacies and retail stores. Private health insurance may reimburse the cost of purchasing self-tests. Visit FDA\u2019s website for a list of authorized tests. Self-tests are antigen tests.
\nAny positive COVID-19 test means the virus was detected and you have or recently had an infection.
\nA negative COVID-19 test means the test did not detect the virus, but this doesn\u2019t rule out that you could have an infection. If you used an antigen test, follow FDA recommendations for repeat testing.
\nAntibody tests detect antibodies that your body makes to fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Antibody tests should never be used to diagnose a current infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. An antibody test may not show if you have a current infection, because it can take 1 to 3 weeks after the infection for your body to make antibodies. Antibody tests can be used for public health surveillance or to test for conditions associated with COVID-19.
\nTesting Resources for Healthcare Professionals: Healthcare Workers | Health Departments | Labs
\nSearch for and find historical COVID-19 pages and files. Please note the content on these pages and files is no longer being updated and may be out of date.
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