The Accuracy of an At-Home COVID Antibody Test: What You Need to Consider
The spread of COVID-19 took the world by storm, with nations struggling to find ways to combat the spread. An estimated 111 million people in the United States experienced COVID at some point in the past four years. One of the best ways to prevent transmission is through testing.
The at-home COVID antibody test allows users to test from home without risking infecting others. It’s an essential step toward treating COVID-19 and preparing their bodies for full recovery.
The challenge is determining if you can trust the results of the at-home testing methods, and luckily, you’ve discovered the perfect place to find the truth. Continue reading to learn about at-home testing accuracy today!
What Are At-Home COVID Tests?
At-home testing, often called antigen testing, is a convenient way to check for signs of COVID if you suspect you’re getting ill. The respiratory illness can result in severe infection. Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other pre-existing conditions are at much higher risk.
At-home testing is a way to test your body for the antibodies found in COVID-19. The tests can provide results in as short as 15 minutes and are beneficial because they don’t require lab analysis.
Despite the quick results, at-home antigen tests are less accurate than a polymerase chain reaction test. You can use a rapid test by swabbing the inside of your nose and applying the swab to a strip that changes color depending on the test’s result.
The tests can provide quick results, but you face a higher risk of a false negative result. The test will tell you that you don’t have COVID-19 when, in fact, you do. You can find the antiviral treatments necessary to restore your health after testing.
How Accurate is the At-Home COVID Antibody Test?
The gold standard of COVID testing is the PCR test, but at-home testing still has value. The at-home testing option assists 78 percent of patients with COVID-19 to identify their illness. It’s also effective at helping patients determine that they don’t have COVID, with a 97 percent success rate.
The goal is to take the at-home test within three days of the onset of symptoms. Timing the testing increases its accuracy. Tests occurring within three days produced a correctly diagnosed COVID-19 result 96 percent of the time.
Benefits of At-Home Testing
Despite the lower accuracy, there are several benefits to consider with the at-home COVID antibody test. The most notable benefit is the quick results. You’ll get results within minutes instead of waiting for days.
It’s also more accessible than lab testing to combat the pandemic. Most of all, it’s affordable for testing and COVID treatment.
Consider Using COVID At-Home Testing Today
The onset of COVID symptoms is intimidating, and getting tested is the best way to seek reassurance and antiviral treatments. The at-home COVID antibody test is a convenient and affordable way to test yourself with reasonable accuracy.
The at-home testing identified COVID 78 percent of the time. It’s a safe, time-effective way to determine the virus and seek treatment.
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