FDA Approved At Home COVID Test: A Breakthrough for 2021

The Need for At Home COVID Testing

The coronavirus pandemic of 2020-2021 has changed the way we view our health, and the importance of testing. With the rapid spread of the virus, it became more important than ever to be able to quickly detect it. But traditional testing methods were not always enough. That is why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of at-home COVID tests for 2021.

What Are At Home COVID Tests?

At home COVID tests are self-administered tests that are used to detect the presence of the virus. These tests are easy to use and available over the counter. This means that anyone can purchase them and test themselves in the comfort of their own home. The tests are also FDA approved, so you can be assured of their accuracy.

How Do At Home COVID Tests Work?

At home COVID tests work by taking a sample of your saliva. You simply have to place the sample in the testing kit and wait for the results. The test is designed to detect the presence of the virus within 15 minutes of taking the sample. It is important to note that the results of the test may not be 100% accurate, and should be confirmed with a PCR test.

Benefits of At Home COVID Tests

At home COVID tests offer a number of benefits. They are a quick and easy way to detect the virus, and can be done in the comfort of your own home. This makes them ideal for those who may not have access to traditional testing methods. They are also more affordable than PCR tests, and can be purchased over the counter.

Drawbacks of At Home COVID Tests

At home COVID tests are not without their drawbacks. They are not as accurate as PCR tests and may not detect the virus if it is in its early stages. Additionally, the results of the test may be affected by other factors, such as the quality of the sample. This means that the results may not always be reliable, and should be confirmed with a PCR test.

Conclusion

At home COVID tests are a welcome addition to the fight against the virus. They are easy to use and can be done in the comfort of your own home. However, it is important to remember that the results of the test may not be 100% accurate, and should be confirmed with a PCR test. But overall, at-home COVID tests are a great tool for detecting the virus quickly and accurately.

References

Cheng, A., & Myers, J. (2020). At Home COVID Testing: What You Need to Know. American Family Physician, 97(12), 722–726. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2020/1201/p722.html

FDA. (2021). At Home Sample Collection Tests for COVID-19. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/home-sample-collection-tests-covid-19