A COVID-19 test should be taken in the following situations:
- If experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, test immediately. If an antigen test is negative but symptoms persist, repeat the test after 48 hours. This helps reduce false negatives since antigen tests might miss early infections or asymptomatic cases.
- If exposed to someone with COVID-19 but asymptomatic, wait at least 5 full days after exposure before testing. Testing too early may give inaccurate results.
- Testing may also be used as screening before gatherings, in crowded indoor spaces, or before contact with high-risk individuals.
- If a positive test was received in the last 90 days and symptoms occur, use an antigen test and repeat if negative to detect possible reinfection.
- If no symptoms and a positive test was within 30 days, testing is generally not recommended for detecting new infection.
- If at high risk for severe disease and symptomatic, but antigen test is negative, seek further testing from a healthcare provider.
Testing is important to inform isolation and treatment decisions and to reduce spread to others.
