Home antigen tests are available and more people are using them. Joe Gastaldo, MD, OhioHealth System Medical Director for Infectious Diseases is often asked how good or accurate they are.
The tests are very accurate, as long as they are properly obtained. Home antigen tests are very sensitive and very specific. The test tells if you are contagious and have infection. For those metrics, it is a great test.
Unlike a PCR test, where someone can be PCR positive without being contagious, home antigen tests tell you when someone has an infection and is contagious.
Want to learn more about common COVID-19 questions? Check our Fast Facts page.
