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A rapid COVID-19 test is a type of diagnostic test that can quickly detect the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19. This type of rapid antigen test typically uses a small sample of a nasal swab and can provide a positive or negative result in as little as 15 minutes. These antigen tests can be self-administered at home or completed at the point of care, such as a clinic or hospital, and do not require laboratory processing.
Rapid COVID-19 tests work by detecting the presence of specific proteins called antigens, which are produced by the virus. Rapid antigen testing requires the collecting of a sample from the patient with a nasal swab and then adding the sample to a testing kit. The kit contains chemicals that react with the antigens in the sample if they are present. If you’ve tested positive, a visible line or symbol will appear on the test strip, indicating the presence of the virus. If the test is negative, no line or symbol will appear.
A rapid antigen test may be recommended if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus or have been asked to quarantine due to potential exposure to the virus. These antigen tests can also be used to help determine if it is safe for someone to return to work or school after a potential exposure to the virus.
The standard delivery time is currently 2-4 business days from the date of purchase, however orders placed before 11 am EST can expect same-day delivery.
If you need to administer a rapid COVID-19 test on another individual, follow the 5 simple steps below for quick and easy results:
- Gather the necessary equipment, including gloves, masks, alcohol-based hand sanitizer and COVID-19 test kits.
- Take a moment to explain the test to the person being tested by telling them how the test works, how long it will take and any additional instructions they may need to follow.
- Follow proper infection control procedures by washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Put on your personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and a mask.
- Perform the test by following the instructions provided. You’ll need to perform a shallow swab collection in the naval cavity before mixing with the buffer liquid in the tube.
- The final step is to interpret the results of the antigen test. You’ll need to add liquid drops from the tube onto the reader and wait at least 15 minutes for the results. Be sure to follow the instructions provided for more detailed directions.
Taking a COVID-19 antigen test is completely safe, even if you have been fully vaccinated. Although you’ve gotten the vaccine, you should still be taking an antigen test if you are planning to travel or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. In these cases, COVID-19 testing is required in order to determine if you are currently infected and need to quarantine or isolate to prevent further spreading of the virus.
Taking a COVID-19 antigen test is completely safe, even if you have been fully vaccinated. Although you’ve gotten the vaccine, you should still be taking an antigen test if you are planning to travel or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. In these cases, COVID-19 testing is required in order to determine if you are currently infected and need to quarantine or isolate to prevent further spreading of the virus.
Make sure to avoid any large events or social gatherings and try not to visit any high-risk settings such as hospitals or senior living centers. You should also avoid close contact with any high-risk individuals such as those with compromised immune systems and chronic health conditions. If you want to learn more, Rapid Test & Trace Canada has some helpful resources when it comes to what you should do if you test positive for COVID in Canada.
A negative COVID test result is definitely good news, but it doesn’t always mean that you’re completely free of the COVID-19 virus. Rapid test results are not always 100%, whether it’s a positive test result or if you tested negative, but repeat testing can help to improve the accuracy of your results and detect infection. Even if your initial rapid test comes back negative, you can proceed with additional testing 24 to 48 hours later, especially if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 or your symptoms worsen.
Yes. Up until now, rapid testing has been able to detect all harmful variants of the COVID-19 virus and this includes Omicron.
Even if you do not have any COVID symptoms, you could still be carrying the virus and be capable of transmitting it to others. COVID-19 testing can help identify asymptomatic carriers of the virus and prevent further spread. You may also need rapid COVID-19 testing for proof of a negative result for travel purposes, as well as work, school or any large event.
Even if your test comes back negative, you should self-isolate at home until your symptoms have improved. You shouldn’t leave home unless you haven’t had a fever for at least 24 hours. You may want to consider speaking with your pharmacy or primary healthcare professional to discuss additional COVID-19 treatment options.
Both influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are contagious illnesses that affect the respiratory system, however they are caused by two separate viruses. While the flu is brought on by an infection with influenza viruses, COVID-19 is caused by an infection with a coronavirus labelled SARS-CoV-2. These two illnesses are often mistaken for one another since they share many of the same symptoms.
