What does it mean if I have a negative rapid test result?

What does it mean if I have a negative rapid test result? A negative test result means that proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19 were not found in your sample. It is possible for this test to give a negative result that is incorrect (false negative).

Are at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen tests accurate?

Previous research by our study team and others suggests that over-the-counter tests are more likely to detect an infection among people who are actively contagious.

Does a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test mean I don't have COVID-19?

If you have a negative test, but have symptoms of COVID-19: You may have COVID-19, but tested before the virus was detectable, or you may have another illness, such as the flu.

What does it mean if I test negative for COVID-19?

A negative test result means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in your sample. However, it is possible for this test to give a negative result that is incorrect (false negative) in some people with COVID- 19. You might test negative if the sample was collected early during your infection.

You could also be exposed to COVID-19 after your sample was collected and then have become infected. In particular, people infected with COVID-19 but who have no symptoms may not shed enough virus to trigger a positive test. This means that you could possibly still have COVID-19 even though the test result is negative.

What is the difference between a PCR test and a rapid COVID-19 test?

“Unlike the PCR test, the antigen test can only determine if you have an active virus in your body. The rapid test can't detect small amounts of the virus or asymptomatic cases as accurately as the PCR test can,” Heather said. The rapid test is less accurate and there is a greater chance for a false negative.

VERIFY: How you might get a false negative from a COVID-19 rapid test

Why PCR is better than the rapid COVID-19 test?

“PCR tests are more reliable and accurate due to testing the specific genetic material of the virus, eliminating the interference from other viruses,” said Heather Seyko, a Laboratory Services manager for OSF HealthCare.

Which COVID-19 tests are more accurate PCR or antigen tests?

PCR tests are more accurate than antigen tests. "PCR tests are the gold standard for detecting SARS-CoV-2," says Dr. Broadhurst. "It is the most accurate testing modality that we have.

Can you test negative for COVID-19 and still have it?

Simply put: Depending on when you take a test, if you have COVID symptoms and receive negative results from an at-home, rapid test, the level of virus in your body could be too low to be detected by the test, at least at first.

What are consequences of a false negative COVID-19 test?

Risks to a patient of a false negative test result include: delayed or lack of supportive treatment, lack of monitoring of infected individuals and their household or other close contacts for symptoms resulting in increased risk of spread of COVID-19 within the community, or other unintended adverse events.

Can a person test negative and later test positive for COVID-19?

It is possible for this test to give a negative result that is incorrect (false negative) in some people with COVID- 19. This means that you could possibly still have COVID- 19 even though the test is negative. The amount of antigen in a sample may decrease the longer you have symptoms of infection.

What does a negative COVID-19 antigen test result mean in asymptomatic persons?

Negative test results using a viral test (NAAT or antigen) in asymptomatic persons with recent known or suspected exposure suggest no current evidence of infection. These results represent a snapshot of the time around specimen collection and could change if tested again in one or more days.

What does a false-positive COVID-19 antigen test result mean?

A false-positive antigen test result means that the test says the person has COVID-19 but they are actually do not have COVID-19.

What is the accuracy of the COVID-19 antigen test?

If possible, taking an at-home rapid COVID-19 test the day of the event is ideal. While these tests aren't 100% accurate, a negative result strongly suggests that you're not contagious at that particular time.

Are COVID-19 at-home tests accurate?

Even though demand for COVID-19 tests greatly overwhelmed supply earlier in the pandemic, rapid home tests are more available today. While home tests provide a quick, accurate result, the flip side is that many test results are no longer reported to health authorities.

How accurate is the Ellume COVID-19 rapid test?

Accuracy: In a U.S. clinical study, the Ellume test showed 96% accuracy for symptomatic individuals. For people without symptoms, the test correctly identified 91% of positive cases.

Are COVID-19 rapid antigen tests accurate if no symptoms are present?

Antigen tests are still fairly accurate, particularly when someone is experiencing symptoms and their viral load is very high. However, they can be less accurate when someone has a lower viral load, such as in someone without symptoms. This could lead to false negative test results.

What could be the cause of a false negative COVID-19 antibody test result?

Having an antibody test too early can lead to false negative results. That’s because it takes a week or two after infection for your immune system to produce antibodies.

Should I repeat the at-home COVID-19 test if it is negative?

Some self-tests are designed to be used in a series (also known as serial testing). Consider repeating the test 24 to 48 hours later. Multiple negative tests increases the confidence that you are not infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.

Can you get a false negative COVID-19 antigen test?

The antigen level in specimens collected either before symptom onset, or late in the course of infection, may be below the tests' limit of detection, resulting in a false negative antigen test result, while a more sensitive test, such as most NAATs, may return a positive result.

What if your COVID-19 at-home test is negative but you have symptoms?

If your test is negative, but you have symptoms for the virus, you should isolate until you can do additional testing.

How long does it take for the COVID-19 symptoms to start showing?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

How long does it take for symptoms of COVID-19 to appear after exposure?

Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

What is the most accurate diagnostic test to detect COVID-19?

Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based diagnostic tests (which detect viral nucleic acids) are considered the gold standard for detecting current SARS-CoV-2 infection.

How accurate are COVID-19 PCR tests?

PCR tests are very accurate when properly performed by a health care professional, but the rapid test can miss some cases.

What kind of tests are used to see if you have COVID-19?

Diagnostic tests can show if you currently are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. There are two types of COVID-19 diagnostic tests: Molecular tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Antigen tests, often referred to as rapid tests.