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Just received an at-home COVID-19 test? Use these methods to get accurate results

Nearly two weeks after Covidtests.gov went live, Americans are starting to receive their free at-home rapid COVID-19 tests in the mail.

The rollout is part of an effort by the Biden administration to increase access to testing amid a surge in cases and hospitalizations across the country caused by the omicron variant.

The CDC recommends getting tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms, or five days after you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for the virus.

While at-home COVID-19 tests can detect the omicron variant, they are only accurate about 80% of the time, according to infectious disease expert Dr. Roy Chemaly with the University of Texas. That means 20% of people who use an at-home test could get a negative result, even if they are infected with COVID-19.

Here are some tips to make sure your test results are error-free:

How to prepare for a self-test at home

Before taking the test, follow these tips to ensure your results are accurate:

  • Wash or sanitize your hands and make sure they are dry before starting the test.

  • Read the instructions closely.

  • Check your kit contents and make sure you have everything needed to perform the test.

  • Check the expiration date. If the test is expired, do not use it.

  • Do not use the test if any of the items are damaged or open.

Tips on taking the test

A common mistake when taking a rapid test is not reading the results within the appropriate time frame. Be sure to read the instructions that come with your test and set a timer for the amount of time listed for the most precise results.

A recent Vanderbilt University study also found that taking the test in the middle of the day may produce more accurate results than testing for the virus at night.

If you test negative for COVID-19 but have symptoms, you may want to get a more sensitive test, like a PCR test, and isolate yourself from others, the CDC says.

How to store your test

If you’re not ready to use your tests when they come in the mail, experts suggest storing them in a place that is room temperature, since exposure to extreme heat or cold may affect the accuracy of at-home tests.