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At-home COVID-19 Tests: How Reliable?

COVID-19 tests are valuable toolsindetermining a person’s health condition, especially if they plan to travel todomestic or overseasdestinations. Individuals are now required tosubmit a fit-to-fly coronaviruscertificate to demonstrate that they do not carry the disease, thus ensuring eligibility to travel. 

However, with several variants that emerged in the past year, taking COVID-19 tests has become even more crucial. Accurate testing and continued screening of anyone who has been exposed should be considered as various countries implement strict regulations to allow establishments to operate again.

The population being tested is also a factor to ponder. If a specific area carries a high-level transmission, even an accurate COVID-19 test may work differently as the viral load rather than symptomatology significantly shapes the pretest probability. Nevertheless, people who take the tests can help prevent the virus’ spread and identify if they are infected early on. 

Furthermore, since there are plenty of ways to get tested, the convenience makes it simpler for every person to do their part in mitigating the impact of the virus on the general public. Countless people can do COVID-19 tests in medical centers, drive-thru, or by covid home test kits, which is a safer method than others. 

Benefits of Taking At-Home COVID-19 Tests

One of the advantages of having at-home COVID-19 test kits is the ability to test without needing to travel to a healthcare center or testing facility. This makes it beneficial for those with mobility or accessibility issues. 

Moreover, testing at home provides a safe and comfortable environment, so that individuals will feel less concerned throughout their tests. They are also readily available, with many pharmacies and medical institutions providing them. 

Individuals can choose between two types of coronavirus home testing: at-home rapid tests and home PCR tests. Although rapid tests may be less precise than PCR tests, both tests offer quick results. Some tests take a couple of days, while others take just twenty-four hours. This allows individuals to decide whether they need more treatment or attention from medical practitioners.

These testing kits usually include instructions, tools, and packaging that individuals need in order to self-administer their tests before sending them to a laboratory. Negative test results give individuals peace of mind, while positive tests provide vital health information. 

Nonetheless, prevention is always better than treatment. So, one must continue practicing safety and preventative measures, such as wearing face masks and following social distancing guidelines, to guarantee that lessvirus transmission will occur. 

Check out this infographic from Harley Medic International for more information on reliable at-home COVID-19 tests. 

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