06 Nov 5 Benefits Of In-Home Covid Testing You Haven’t Thought About
In-home Covid-19 testing is as safe as it is convenient. You can receive results quickly without having to disrupt your schedule, as well as avoid unnecessary exposure to the virus at community or drive-in testing centers. How else can in-home testing assist you? Here are some of the hidden, additional benefits of in-home Covid-19 testing which might have gone unconsidered.
5 Benefits Of In-Home Testing You Haven’t Thought About
- Fast answers before and after you travel: Travel knowing that you’re healthy by getting a test before and after you arrive at your destination with direct-to-you testing. Prevent the spread of Covid-19 by knowing when to quarantine if you’re potentially ill, and avoid bringing home the virus if you catch it in transit.
Read More: Why Get A Rapid Covid-19 Test Before Traveling?
- An improved experience for your child: The nasal swab test can be painful for young children. In-home testing means that the test is done in a safe, comfortable, and familiar environment, so your child will be less stressed and concerned throughout their test.
Read More: How Can You Get A Rapid Covid-19 Test For Your Child?
- Privacy: One of the biggest benefits of in-home Covid testing is that tests are private and discreet, ideal for those who need to limit their exposure to the public.
- Mobility/accessibility considerations: Because you don’t have to leave your home, in-home testing is ideal for anyone who might have transportation issues or mobility/accessibility complications.
What about DIY in-home COVID test kits?
DIY Covid-19 test kits are an alternative way to get tested without needing to leave your home. These types of kits come with the instructions, equipment, and packaging you need in order to self-administer your test before it’s sent to a lab for processing.
You can still get many of the same benefits as an in-home testing service. However, an in-home service does have some benefits which DIY kits do not provide. These services are administered by a medical professional so that you can rest assured that your test has been performed correctly.
Your nurse saves you time and hassle sending the testing materials to the lab themselves so you don’t have to. Your nurse will also provide an in-depth consultation to explain the results of your test and provide recommendations as to possible subsequent steps if your test does come back positive.
What Types Of COVID -19 Tests Can You Get In Your Home?
There are two kinds of tests that can detect an active Covid-19 infection, both of which can be administered by a medical professional in your home.
RT-PCR
- The RT-PCR test is the most common form of Covid-19 test. It’s also the most accurate, meaning that you’re less likely to receive a false positive or false negative result.
- The RT-PCR test analyses fluids that are collected from the back of your sinus cavity for genetic material belonging to the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) virus.
- This test is administered as a nasal swab, and your sample must be sent to a lab for analysis.
- Your results will usually return within 3 business days.
Antigen (also called ‘rapid test’)
- The antigen test analyses a sample of fluids collected from either your sinus cavity or your throat for certain proteins located on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) virus.
- This test is administered as either a nasal swab or a throat swab.
- Your test can be processed immediately, with results typically available within 15 minutes.
- The rapid test has a slightly higher rate of false negatives than the RT-PCR test.
Are Covid-19 at-home tests accurate?
Yes, Covid-19 at-home tests are accurate, although it’s important to know that the accuracy does vary slightly according to the type of test.
RT-PCR is the most precise test for an active infection of Covid-19. Although the antigen test is highly accurate, it’s slightly less-so than the RT-PCR. When it comes to looking for an active infection, the antibody test should not be used as this test is intended to look for evidence of a past, not current, infection.
The precise accuracy depends on the test itself and which lab was responsible for its creation. We advise that you visit the manufacturer’s website or contact them for additional information.
Read More: How Accurate Are Rapid COVID-19 Tests?
How long do lab results take?
The wait time for your lab results vary depending on the kind of test you get.
- The RT-PCR and antibody tests must be shipped to a lab for analysis and typically take 3 business days for results.
- The rapid antigen test can be processed onsite and traditionally returns results in 15 minutes.
Are in-home tests private?
Yes, in-home tests are private. Your nurse comes to your home, and the entire appointment takes place at your residence.
How much does in-home Covid-19 testing cost?
The costs of in-home Covid-19 testing vary depending on the service you use.
Are in-home tests covered by insurance?
Although your health provider must pay the cost of Covid-19 testing from drive-in centers, clinics, and hospitals, in-home tests may not be covered by insurance. Confirm with the service you plan to use as well as your healthcare provider.
Related:
Safe, Convenient In-Home Covid-19 Tests With Concierge MD
In-home Covid testing has various benefits, not the least of which are safe and convenient results. Concierge MD brings your RT-PCR or rapid antigen test appointment precisely to you for fast, friendly service and efficient results. Learn more about our in-home testing services or schedule an appointment at the link below.
