How to Interpret Self-Test Results
Hi, my name is Keisha. Here are some tips on interpreting COVID-19 self-test results.
Remember, even if you are up to date with your vaccines, CDC recommends that you get a COVID-19
test if you have COVID-19 symptoms or think you've been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
There are many different types of COVID-19 self-tests.
Please refer to your specific test instructions for details on how to read your test results.
If your self-test result is positive, tell a healthcare provider, your local
health agency, or health department. To avoid spreading the virus, wear a well-fitting mask,
practice physical distancing, and isolate as much as possible from other people and pets in your home.
Ask everyone you live with to wear a well-fitting mask.
Tell anyone who you were in close contact with they may have been exposed to COVID-19.
Click on the close contacts link in the video description for more information.
If you were in close contact with your colleagues at work, you should also notify
your place of employment.
If you have a child or children, notify the school or care provider if appropriate.
Check out the What to Do If You are Sick guidance in the video description for more information
on what to do if you have a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19.
Your close contacts should get tested or use a self-test.
If using a self-test, they should take the test 5 to 7 days after close contact,
and test again a few days later to confirm results.
If you think your test result is wrong, consult with a healthcare provider or your local health department
so that they can help you interpret the result and determine your next steps.
A negative test result means that the virus was not detected.
If you took the test while you had symptoms and followed all instructions carefully, a negative result
usually means you don t have COVID-19.
Some tests may recommend you test again within 2 or 3 days.
Follow the instructions for taking more than one test.
If you test negative and have symptoms you should contact your healthcare provider
or local health department to determine if additional testing is needed,
wear a well-fitting mask, and stay home until you feel better.
If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, tested negative, and don't have symptoms,
follow the quarantine guidance link in the video description.
On rare occasions, you can have a negative result that is wrong. When it comes to testing,
timing is very important. If you test too soon after exposure, you may get a false negative.
If you have new symptoms or if your symptoms get worse
after your negative test result, you might need another test to determine
if you have COVID-19. Discuss your symptoms and test results with a healthcare provider
or local health department to determine if you need additional testing.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19,
you should get tested or use a self-test regardless of your vaccination status.
Test immediately if you are symptomatic, or 5 to 7 days after close contact if you are asymptomatic,
and test again a few days later to confirm results.
Once you have your results, you can consult CDC's COVID-19 Viral Testing Tool
for suggestions on next steps.
Although rare, sometimes self-tests are unable to determine positive or negative results.
If the display on the test shows an invalid result or a test error, the test did not work properly.
If this happens, follow the instructions in your test kit or call the number provided with the kit.
Thanks for doing your part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Remember that testing is one
part of preventing the spread of COVID-19 and getting vaccinated is another important step
to protect yourself and your community.
For more information, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.