Accurate Testing

How to Make Rapid Antigen COVID Tests More Accurate

IMPORTANT NOTE: Current variants of COVID are not turning up consistent positive results on rapid tests until 4-6 days of symptoms, which can be anywhere from 2-14 days from exposure (and you can be infectious even before symptoms start). 

Directions

1. Check the expiration date on the tests and read all the directions ahead of time. Have at least 2-3 tests on hand.

2. Don not use any nasal sprays or mouth washses for at least a few hours before testing.

3. Do not eat, drink, vape, or smoke for at least 30-60 minutes before testing.

4. Swab the inside of your cheeks (not your teeth), under your tongue, farthest back of your tongue, and sides of your throat (gag reflex) for 10 seconds in each location while twirling the swab. The test instructions will not tell you to do this, but this step is key to increasing the accuracy of your rapid COVID test.

5. Swab the inside of each nostril as directions instructed by test directions.

6. Process the test following the direections that came with the test.

7. Use a bright flashlight to make sure the test only has the "C" line. If there is any line at "T"—even if it is really faint, that is a positive test.

8. Take another test in 48 hours, and another 48 hours after that. 

Video Directions