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Key Points
- The article discusses the variety of COVID-19 testing options available in 2024, including home tests, some of which are free from COVID.gov and certain insurance companies.
- The three main types of tests are rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, and antibody tests, each with different capabilities and uses.
- Rapid antigen tests are the most common and detect the presence of the virus, while PCR tests can detect infections within the past 90 days, and antibody tests can show past infections or vaccinations.
- The article provides guidance on how to find a testing location and when to get tested according to CDC guidelines.
- It also details the symptoms of COVID-19, which can range from mild to severe and typically appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.
2024 COVID-19 Testing Options
When COVID-19 first came to the United States, finding a test was difficult. Nowadays most people can pick up a home test from a retail pharmacy and some chain retailers. There are also some walk-in testing locations in larger cities, according to the CDC. Additionally, COVID.gov also offers free home tests for anyone with a U.S. address, and some insurance companies may offer reimbursement for purchasing tests, according to the CDC.
Home Tests for COVID-19
Home tests provide a convenient and accessible option for people to monitor their COVID-19 status without venturing out to a healthcare facility. The CDC notes that each brand of test may be slightly different, so it is important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
Antigen tests
One of the most common types of COVID tests is a rapid antigen test. Rapid antigen tests usually involve collecting a small sample of nasal secretions and testing the sample for the presence of the COVID-19 virus, according to the CDC. According to the CDC, these tests have been offered for free through governmental mail-order programs and are also available at many retail pharmacies throughout the country.
PCR tests
In the early days of the pandemic, we heard a lot about “PCR testing”. This test also checks for an active COVID-19 infection—however, it is more sensitive than a rapid antigen test and can detect infections within the past 90 days, according to the CDC. A PCR test can detect small amounts of viral genetic material, so it can identify infections even before a rapid antigen can detect it.
Although there are some PCR tests that are now available for home use, according to the CDC, they are still a bit more expensive than rapid antigen tests and they may also take longer to yield a result.
Antibody tests
Another kind of COVID-19 test is the antibody test. According to the CDC, this test is usually performed by collecting a small sample of blood. These tests can show whether you have had a COVID-19 infection in the past or have been vaccinated against COVID-19 based on measuring the levels of antibodies in your blood that were created against the virus. The CDC also notes that you can have a positive antibody test from a former infection or because you are actively infected with COVID-19.
How to Get a COVID-19 Home Test
You can find COVID-19 home tests in several ways, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including:
- Ordering free tests through covid.gov/tests
- Most retail pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens
- Inquiring with your insurance company or employer, as some may offer free home tests
Additionally, individuals can purchase home test kits directly from the manufacturer or other authorized distributors like Amazon.
How to Find a COVID-19 Testing Location
If you’d prefer to have your test performed by a professional, or a higher-accuracy test such as a PCR, you may want to find a testing location near you. To do this, we recommend searching for a COVID-19 testing location with SolvHealth or inquiring with your local health department or physician.
When to get Tested for COVID-19
Even as we enter the fourth year of the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the recommendations of when to test may be confusing. As of this publication, the CDC recommends that you get tested if:
- You have symptoms of COVID-19
- 5 days after you are exposed to COVID-19, even if you don’t have symptoms
You may need to test more than once in some cases, they note.
- If you have symptoms and your home test is negative, you should test again after 48 hours
- If you do not have symptoms but you were exposed to the virus, and you test negative on day 5, you should test again 48 hours later. If your second test is also negative, you should test a third time 48 hours after the second test. Your third negative test on day 9 confirms you are not infected.
Symptoms of COVID-19
The symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure, according to the CDC. Symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- A new loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of COVID-19 tests available in 2024?
The main types of tests are rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, and antibody tests.How can I get a free COVID-19 home test?
Free home tests are available from COVID.gov and some insurance companies.What are the differences between rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, and antibody tests?
Rapid antigen tests detect the presence of the virus, PCR tests can detect infections within the past 90 days, and antibody tests can show if a person has had a COVID-19 infection in the past or has been vaccinated.How can I find a COVID-19 testing location?
The article provides information on how to find a testing location, but it does not specify the method.When should I get tested for COVID-19 according to CDC guidelines?
The article mentions that there are CDC guidelines on when to get tested, but it does not detail what those guidelines are.What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.Are home tests as reliable as the tests done at a testing location?
The article does not compare the reliability of home tests versus tests done at a testing location.Can insurance companies provide free COVID-19 tests?
Yes, some insurance companies do offer free COVID-19 tests.
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