Are Rapid COVID-19 Tests , Accurate Enough for Omicron?.
Are Rapid COVID-19 Tests , Accurate Enough for Omicron?.
As the Omicron variant spreads, many have turned to regular rapid COVID-19 antigen testing for peace of mind.
But how trustworthy are the results of a rapid COVID-19 test?.
In December, during the onset of the Omicron variant, the US Food and Drug Administration updated its guidance to note:.
Though rapid antigen tests can detect an Omicron infection, "they may have reduced sensitivity.".
Experts say rapid tests are more likely to work when coronavirus symptoms are present.
Wait a day, maybe two into symptoms to use your test because people are becoming symptomatic a day or so before they're turning positive.
, Dr. Michael Mina, epidemiologist chief science officer eMed, via NPR.
Officials suggest one negative rapid test is not conclusive evidence that a coronavirus infection isn't present.
If you're negative after two rapid tests but still experiencing symptoms, consider testing a third time with a rapid test or getting a PCR test if you can.
, Dr. Wilbur Lam, professor of pediatrics and biomedical engineering Emory University, via NPA.
While a single negative rapid test may be a reasonable step before grocery shopping or meeting with a healthy friend, experts say different situations call for more stringent testing.
If I'm going to the nursing home on Saturday, I would start to isolate and reduce my social contacts in the preceding week, and I would take a couple of tests.
, Bruce Tromberg, head of National Institutes of Health's Radx program, via NPR
