![]() For more information about how to reduce your risk of getting a false negative result on an at-home COVID-19 antigen test, read our FDA Safety Communication. To increase the accuracy of an at-home COVID-19 antigen diagnostic test, it is important to perform repeat testing, after 48 hours, following a negative test result, whether you have symptoms or not, to reduce your risk of a false negative test result. Be aware that COVID-19 diagnostic tests are authorized for specific uses and that laboratory-based molecular COVID-19 tests, are generally more accurate than at-home tests. Be sure to check the At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests website for information on expiration dates, who can use the test, and other details that may help you decide what test is right for you. You can also use an FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 diagnostic test which gives you the option of self-testing where it is convenient for you. If you think you need a COVID-19 diagnostic test, you can find a community testing site in your state. Some tests, including most antigen tests, can be performed completely at home, giving you results within minutes, without needing to send your sample to a laboratory. For most molecular COVID-19 diagnostic tests, you go to a testing site to have your sample collected and for others you can collect your own sample at home using a home collection kit and mail it to a laboratory for testing. ![]() Depending on the intended use, COVID-19 diagnostic tests can be performed at a laboratory, a standalone testing site, a doctor’s office or health clinic, or at home. Some diagnostic tests use other samples such as mid-turbinate, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, or saliva samples. Samples for COVID-19 diagnostic tests are typically collected using an anterior nares (nasal) swab sample. Antigen tests, often referred to as rapid tests or, for some, at-home or self tests, which detect proteins called antigens from the virus.Molecular tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) tests, which detect genetic material called RNA from the virus.There are two common types of COVID-19 diagnostic tests: There are different types of COVID-19 tests – diagnostic tests and antibody tests.ĭiagnostic tests can show if you currently are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Understanding COVID-19 tests, including the different types of tests and their uses, and the types of samples the tests use, is key to making an informed decision that meets your needs. They are part of Britain’s largest-ever network of diagnostic testing facilities and will play a crucial role in our collective efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus”, said Health Innovation Minister Lord Jim Bethell on the opening of the new sites.COVID-19 testing plays a critical role in the fight against the virus. “I am delighted these new Lighthouse laboratories are now up and running as planned. ![]() The NHS Test and Trace network includes more than 1,000 sites across the UK, including 90 drive-through sites, 514 walk-through sites, 7 Lighthouse laboratories, home testing and satellite kits, and a large number of mobile units. NHS Test and Trace now has the capacity to carry out more than 750,000 PCR tests per day compared to 2,000 just 9 months ago. The new Lighthouse Laboratories will lead to the creation of new jobs in their respective areas, in terms of running lab operations, manufacturing and supply chain resources. All three sites are fitted with the latest, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment in order to process PCR results from home testing and local testing sites in their specific regions. The geographical spread of the new facilities ensures more testing capacity is available locally. The Lighthouse Laboratories are being managed by the Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust organisations. The labs are managed by local NHS trusts, and form the largest network of diagnostic facilities ever set about in British history. These labs will be working in partnership with NHS Test and Trace to identify new cases of coronavirus, thus ensuring that the chains of transmission are broken in communities. Three new Lighthouse Lab testing facilities have opened in Brants Bridge, Baltic Park and Plymouth, adding to the list of test processing sites across the United Kingdom.
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