Stuff You Should Know
Rapid Testing
There are 3 things to remember if you want accurate results from your at-home rapid test:
1. Swab the throat AND nose.
The People’s CDC joins state health departments in UK, Canada, Australia, and other countries who recommend swabbing the throat as well as nostrils when you do a rapid test. It’s not in the box instructions, but you’re more likely to catch the covid germs.
2. Test multiple times, 48 hours apart.
A one-off rapid test is NOT reliable (unless it’s positive). It only has a 9% chance to catch asymptomatic COVID, and a 60% chance for symptomatic COVID. This recent study found out your results are better if you add more tests with a 48-hour interval between.
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Symptomatic – 2 tests: (have at least one symptom) |
Asymptomatic – 3 tests: (no symptoms) |
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Nose and throat swab |
Nose and throat swab |
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Wait 48 hours |
Wait 48 hours |
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Nose and throat swab |
Nose and throat swab |
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Wait 48 hours |
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Nose and throat swab |
3. Follow directions very carefully!
A shocking number of rapid tests are done incorrectly. These are fussy, fiddly little science kits and the instructions aren’t always as clear as they could be. So be super careful to follow all instructions exactly!
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Read through the directions at least once before you do the actual test.Â
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Consider having one person physically do the test while another person “coaches the test,” reading from the instructions.
Other Resources
Turn surgical masks into N95s for cheap!
