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Your guide to COVID-19 at-home tests
3 minute read
We answer your questions about at-home COVID testing to help you get the most accurate results.
As of November 30, 2021, almost 60% of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although this is a promising number, with the emergence of different variants, testing is important to help reduce the spread of the virus.
Even though we still have a way to go, we’ve come a long way with improvements and testing options.
In this article, we’ll talk about the Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card At-Home Kit.
Are at-home COVID-19 tests accurate?
At-home COVID-19 tests are very safe and accurate. They are also a convenient way to get tested and get results, sometimes in a matter of minutes. Make sure to follow all the instructions provided for performing the test.
When do I need to take an at-home COVID-19 test?
If you start to experience symptoms and you don’t want to risk exposing anyone else by getting tested at an in-person site, an at-home COVID-19 test is a great option. You can get COVID more than once, so having tests on hand can be helpful. Also: The CDC has mandated that a negative COVID-19 test result must be confirmed pre-departure, and for re-entry into the U.S.
How do I take the at-home COVID-19 test?
Depending on which at-home test kit you choose, you will either collect a saliva sample or nasal swab. The test covered in this article is a nasal swab test.
The Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card At-Home Kit is authorized for prescription home use with self-collected observed direct anterior nasal swab samples from individuals aged 15 years or older who are suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within the first 7 days of symptom onset. It's also authorized for adult-collected nasal swab samples from individuals aged 4 years or older who are suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within the first 7 days of symptom onset.
- Order your kit online. Complete the COVID-19 Testing Questionnaire by clicking “Get Started” to see if you meet the CDC’s criteria for COVID-19 testing.
- Test from home at eMed.com. After you receive your test, visit eMed.com to begin your virtual visit. An eMed Certified Guide will join you in a video visit to help you through the testing process. Collecting a sample is an easy and gentle process, no different than using a cotton swab to clean the inside of your nose.
- Get results in 15 minutes. Test results will be made available to you right away from within the NAVICA app. When you receive your result you will also get a secure digital certificate in the NAVICA app. This certificate allows you to use your smartphone to store, display and share your test results . It's important to remember the NAVICA digital certificate does not replace existing safety measures such as mask-wearing, social distancing and frequent hand-washing.
Are home COVID-19 tests safe for children?
At-home tests are safe for children as long as the samples are collected by an adult. (Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine for kids here.)
How fast do I get my COVID-19 test results?
With the Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card At-Home Kit you can get verified test results via the Navica mobile app within 15 minutes.
How do I read my results?
After you begin your virtual visit, an eMed Certified Guide will join you in a video visit to walk you through the testing process. Test results will be made available to you right away from within the NAVICA app. When you receive your result, you will also get a secure digital certificate in the NAVICA app.
Which home COVID-19 test should I buy if I'm traveling?
For a documented test result, the Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test is the best choice. This rapid antigen test is approved by many airlines for domestic and international travel as proof of a negative test. Check with your airline and destination to verify.
Whether you’re traveling or just want to get tested in the comfort of your home, you can use this information to make an educated decision and choose the right test for your needs.