Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.

Self-Testing At Home or Anywhere

Self-Testing At Home or Anywhere

For doing rapid COVID-19 tests anywhere

Updated May 2, 2024

What is a Self-Test or At-Home Test?

Self-tests for COVID-19 give rapid results and can be taken anywhere.

  • Self-tests detect current infection and are sometimes also called “home tests,” “at-home tests,” or “over-the-counter (OTC) tests.”
  • They give you results in 10-15 minutes and are usually antigen tests. These are different from laboratory-based PCR tests or self-collected samples that are sent to a laboratory; these may take days to return your result.
  • Although self-tests are usually faster, they are not as good at detecting the virus as PCR tests, meaning you might get a false negative result.
    • FDA recommends people who get an initial negative result on an antigen test, take at least one more test 48 hours later. Take a third test, 48 hours after the second, if the second test was negative and you don’t have symptoms. Self-tests are more likely to detect the virus if you have symptoms.
    • You may get a PCR test as an alternative to repeat testing.
  • Self-tests, along with vaccination and prevention actions, can help you protect yourself and others.

When To Take an At-Home COVID-19 Test

Test Yourself If…

Test Yourself If...

Test Yourself If…

Timing

Timing

Timing

You have any COVID-19 symptoms

Test Yourself If...

You have any COVID-19 symptoms

Test Immediately.

If you test negative for COVID-19 using an at-home antigen test, repeat* the test again 48 hours after your first test. Also, consider consulting a healthcare provider to see if you need to be tested for another viral infection or illness. Follow precautions on how to protect yourself and others.

Timing

Test Immediately.

If you test negative for COVID-19 using an at-home antigen test, repeat* the test again 48 hours after your first test. Also, consider consulting a healthcare provider to see if you need to be tested for another viral infection or illness. Follow precautions on how to protect yourself and others.

You were exposed to someone with COVID-19

Test Yourself If...

You were exposed to someone with COVID-19

Test at least 5 full days after your exposure.

If you test negative for COVID-19 using an at-home antigen test, repeat* the test again 48 hours after your first test. If both tests are negative, then repeat testing after another 48 hours for a total of three tests.

Timing

Test at least 5 full days after your exposure.

If you test negative for COVID-19 using an at-home antigen test, repeat* the test again 48 hours after your first test. If both tests are negative, then repeat testing after another 48 hours for a total of three tests.


*You may get a PCR test as an alternative to repeat testing.

Testing can be helpful even when you don’t have symptoms or a recent exposure to COVID-19, such as before an event or visiting someone. Test as close to the time of the event as possible (at least within 1-2 days) to help you make informed decisions about your health and your risk of spreading COVID-19 to others.

» Learn what to do if you test positive or test negative.

illustration of map pin

How to Get an At-Home COVID-19 Test

  • Buy tests online or in pharmacies and retail stores. Private health insurance may reimburse the cost of purchasing self-tests. Visit FDA’s website for a list of authorized tests.
  • Contact your local health department to find out about the availability of free tests.
  • If you’re not able to obtain a self-test when you need it, you might also visit a community testing site, or contact a healthcare provider for more options.

How to Use an At-Home COVID-19 Test

Read the complete manufacturer’s instructions for use before using the test.

  • Wash your hands before and after you collect a nasal specimen for your test.
  • To use an at-home test, you will collect a nasal specimen and then test that specimen.
  • If you do not follow the manufacturer’s instructions, your test result may be incorrect.
  • The manufacturer may have extended the expiration date for your self-test. Please check the manufacturer’s website to confirm the expiration date, if needed.

What Your Test Results Mean

If Your Test Is

Positive

A positive COVID-19 test means the virus was detected and you have an infection.

  • Isolate and take precautions, including wearing a high-quality mask to protect others from getting infected.
  • Tell people you had recent contact with that they may have been exposed.
  • Monitor your symptoms. If you have any emergency warning signs, seek emergency care immediately.
  • Contact a healthcare provider, community health center, or pharmacy to learn about treatment options that may be available to you. Treatment must be started within several days after you first develop symptoms to be effective.
    • You are more likely to get very sick if you are an older adult or have an underlying medical condition. Treatment is available. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine what is the best option for you.

If Your Test Is

Negative

A negative COVID-19 test means the test did not detect the virus, but this doesn’t rule out that you could have an infection. See FDA instructions on repeat testing.

  • If you have symptoms:
    • You may have COVID-19, but tested before the virus was detectable.
    • You may have another viral infection or illness that you need to get tested for. For many diseases, including flu, early diagnosis and prompt treatment is important for preventing severe illness.
    • Take everyday preventive actions to prevent spreading an illness to others.
    • Contact a healthcare provider if you have any questions about your test result or if your symptoms worsen.
  • If you do not have symptoms, but were exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, you should continue to take recommended steps after exposure.
  • If you do not have symptoms and have not been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, continue to take steps to protect yourself and others, including monitoring for symptoms. Get tested again if symptoms appear.

  • Incorrect result? If you think your test result may be incorrect, contact the test manufacturer for assistance, consider taking another at-home test, or contact a healthcare provider for help.
  • Safely report results: COVID-19 home tests can be safely and privately reported at MakeMyTestCount.org.
  • Need additional help with COVID-19 testing? WhenToTest.org is an online, mobile-friendly tool that helps you make decisions about COVID-19 testing.

Related Questions

Positive results from self-tests are highly reliable.

Negative results from self-tests don’t rule out that you could have an infection. See FDA instructions on repeat testing.

Invalid results from self-tests mean the test did not work properly, and you need to take a new test to get an accurate result.

CDC strongly encourages everyone who uses a self-test to report any positive results to their healthcare provider. COVID-19 home tests can be safely and privately reported at MakeMyTestCount.org. Healthcare providers can ensure that those who have tested positive for COVID-19 receive the most appropriate medical care, including specific treatments if necessary.

In certain jurisdictions, healthcare providers who diagnose COVID-19 are required to report those cases to public health.