This report provides information on the availability, accuracy, safety, cost, and other considerations for using self-administered screening tests at home for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2. Using nasal swab samples, these tests can provide a result within 30 minutes. The report includes a list of available at-home tests and their respective accuracy values. At the time of this report’s publication, 1 test (Lucira Check-It COVID-19 Test Kit) had received authorization for use without a prescription in Canada. However, it was not yet available for sale. While there are no known safety issues related to these tests, the main concern is the potential for human error in administering the self-test, which could provide a false-negative result (i.e., a negative test result in a person who is positive for the virus). Considerations of use also include access and out-of-pocket costs for the individuals. At-home testing may become more common as more activities and travel are allowed during the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Link to Report
At-Home Testing for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
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