As such, antibody tests should not be used to diagnose the virus. It is a blood test that is good at determining if youhadthe disease, but not good for determining if youhavethe disease. This means people should use multiple tests over a certain time period, such as 2-3 days, especially when the people using the tests don't have COVID-19 symptoms.Īn antibody test looks for the body's response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Currently, all at-home COVID-19 antigen tests are FDA-authorized for repeat, or serial use. Self-tests, like all antigen tests, are less sensitive than PCR tests and self-tests are additionally subject to potential sample collection and testing errors. Information on home-based testing is available here. At-home antigen tests have not been authorized by the FDA for use in children under 2 years of age. Some home-based tests have been authorized by FDA for screening purposes, others for diagnostic testing. Some collections/testing are observed by a telehealth provider, some involve self-collection but are sent to a laboratory for processing, and others use self-collection and self-testing without any involvement of a healthcare provider. While all involve self-collection of specimens, some test kits require a prescription and others are over-the-counter (OTC). A follow-up NAAT/PCR test may be needed to confirm results from an antigen test.Ī variety of home-based COVID-19 tests are widely available. A negative antigen test should be repeated at least 48 hours apart to best detect infection. Antigen tests are less sensitive than NAAT tests and a single, negative antigen test result should not be used to rule out infection. Results on tests done as an outpatient are rarely ready in less than a day and may take much longer.Īntigen tests detect specific viral antigen in a specimen and they provide results relatively quickly, usually within 15-30 minutes. Since NAAT/PCR tests are generally performed in specialized labs, it is a relatively slow process. A NAAT/PCR test should not be used if an individual tested positive within the last 90 days. They are typically performed in a laboratory and are considered the most reliable tests. NAAT tests, such as PCRs, detect viral genetic material which may stay in one's body for up to 90 days after testing positive. There are two main types of viral tests: nucleic acid amplification (NAAT) tests and antigen tests. Viral tests, which are diagnostic tests used to look for current infection, detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in specimens. What's the difference between the various test types? Visit COVID19.nj.gov/testing to get a COVID-19 diagnostic test. Please refer to CDC COVID-19 Testing guidance for additional information. It is always best to talk with your health care provider about which test is best for you. One may continue to test positive on a NAAT test for up to 90 days. One may continue to test positive on antigen tests for weeks after an initial positive. Multiple tests may be necessary if the result is negative.Īfter a positive test result, one may continue to test positive for a while after. If you tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 31-90 days, use an antigen test. If negative, multiple tests may be necessary. If you tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 30 days and you have symptoms, use an antigen test. If you tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 30 days and you do not have symptoms, testing is not recommended to detect a new infection. If an antigen test is used and the result is negative, multiple tests may be needed. If you have not had COVID-19 or have not had a positive test within the past 90 days, a NAAT or antigen test can be used. It is recommended to get tested with a viral test no more than 3 days before travel.
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