Viral tests look for a current infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, by collecting specimens from your nose or mouth to be tested. These collections can be done by a health care provider or by home tests, which are widely available for purchase over the counter.
Types of COVID-19 Tests
There are two main types of viral tests:
- Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are tests performed by a health care professional and are more likely to detect the virus than antigen tests. NAATs tests are the “gold standard” for COVID-19 tests. Your sample will usually be taken by a health care provider and transported to a laboratory for testing and may take up to three days to receive results. Some NAATs may be performed in the provider’s office and provide results more quickly.
- Antigen tests* are rapid tests that usually produce results in 15-30 minutes. Positive results are accurate and reliable. However, in general, antigen tests are less likely to detect the virus than NAAT tests, especially when symptoms are not present. Therefore, a single negative antigen test cannot rule out infection.
To be confident you do not have COVID-19, the FDA recommends two negative antigen tests for people with symptoms or three antigen tests for those without symptoms, performed 48 hours apart. A single NAAT test can be used to confirm an antigen test result.
*Self-tests, or at-home tests, are antigen tests that allow people to test without having to go to a specific testing site. Read self-test package inserts thoroughly and follow the instructions closely when performing the test.
Getting a COVID-19 Test
Buy self-tests (at-home tests)
Buy self-tests (at-home tests) online or in pharmacies and retail stores. If you have health insurance, it may reimburse the cost of purchasing self-tests. Visit the FDA's At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests webpage for a list of authorized tests.
You may also be able to get a free at-home test kit (while supplies last) from your local health department.
Go to a testing location
Visit a community-based testing location, such as a pharmacy or your health care provider’s office near you. These locations may offer either NAAT or antigen tests.
If you are a person with a disability, the Disability Information and Access Line can help you access a test or find a test location.
Interpreting Your Results
Positive COVID-19 test of either type
- A positive COVID-19 test means the virus was detected and you have or recently had an infection.
- Take steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.
- Monitor your symptoms. If you experience any severe symptoms, including but not limited to, trouble breathing, bluish lips, chest pain or pressure, severe pain, confusion or difficulty staying awake, seek emergency care immediately.
- Seek health care right away for treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness. Risk factors for severe illness include:
- Age over 50 years, with risk increasing substantially as age increases above 65 years
- Being unvaccinated or not being up to date on COVID-19 vaccines
- Specific medical conditions, with risk increasing substantially with presence of multiple medical conditions
- Immunocompromising conditions or use of immunosuppressive medications, such as chemotherapy
- Treatment may be an option to make your symptoms less severe and shorten the time you are sick. Treatment needs to be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin.
If your COVID-19 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. If you used an at-home antigen test, follow package inset recommendations for 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.
- Take actions to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses:
- Practice good hand hygiene and cover your cough
- Avoid close contact with others until your symptoms resolve or you test negative
- Contact a health care provider if you have any questions about your test result.