Here are the best at-home COVID-19 tests according to their ease of use. While we didn’t test for accuracy, we did test for ease of use and clarity of instructions to ensure you have the smoothest testing process possible.Īn allergist and immunologist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy surrounding what to look for in at-home COVID-19 tests, when to use them, and when to contact a healthcare provider. We tested at-home COVID-19 tests in our lab to narrow down your search. When looking for an at-home COVID-19 test, you should consider each test’s ease of use, comfort, speed, cost, size, and supportive technology. And it’s a good idea to stick to brands authorized by the FDA and to check expiry dates before use, according to David Souleles, MPH, director of the COVID-19 Response Team at University of California, Irvine. In most cases, adults need to administer them to children aged two to fourteen years, but older kids and adults can test themselves. It’s also recommended that you test if you plan on attending a large gathering such as a wedding, and you want to ensure you don’t mistakenly infect others.Īt-home COVID-19 tests are typically designed for adult administration. If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough, runny nose, or fever, it’s better to test yourself to be sure of whether or not you have the virus. Although vaccination provides some protection from COVID-19, you can still get the disease if you’re vaccinated.
So who should be taking at-home COVID-19 tests? Pretty much anyone-vaccinated as well as unvaccinated. Plus, rapid tests can be used on the go, and are suitable for administering while you’re traveling or at work. Fortunately, rapid tests allow you to test yourself for the virus without leaving your home, and you can see your results in a matter of minutes. However, getting a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test requires a lab visit that can be time-consuming and take days to get your results back. If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or feel symptomatic, it’s important to test yourself so you can avoid spreading the virus.
Our 7 picks on this list are in stock, safe and easy to use, and are authorized by the FDA.
If you have recently purchased a COVID-19 at-home test kit by SD Biosensor, Inc, it's recommended that you throw out the entire kit-do not dispose of the solution down the drain.Īfter testing 16 different at-home COVID-19 tests in our New York City lab, the recalled Pilot test was not one that we recommended. On May 4, 2023, the FDA warned consumers to stop using Pilot COVID-19 At-Home Tests by manufacturer SD Biosensor, Inc.Īccording to the FDA announcement, there are bacterial contamination concerns regarding the testing solution in approximately 500,000 tests distributed by CVS Health and 16,000 tests distributed by Amazon.
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