Rapid Self-Testing Frequently Asked Questions – COVID-19

1. What is a rapid COVID-19 self-test?

A rapid COVID-19 self-test can be used at home to detect COVID-19. Rapid self-tests give you results in about 10-15 minutes. If you test positive on a rapid test, you have COVID-19. Please review the guidance for positive cases for more information.

2. I am fully vaccinated, is it okay for me to take a rapid COVID-19 self-test?

Yes, you can use a rapid COVID-19 self-test if you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

3. How do I use a rapid COVID-19 self-testing kit?

Instructions will be provided in the kit you are given. For more information refer to the instructions for the specific test you are using or visit: Instructions COVID-19 (gov.nl.ca)

4. When should I use a rapid COVID-19 self-test?

The tests can be used if you are experiencing mild symptoms (e.g. a runny nose). A single negative test result is not completely reliable. If you are experiencing symptoms, you should take two tests 48 hours apart.

5. When is it not appropriate to use a rapid COVID-19 self-test?

If you experiencing more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, you should seek medical care immediately.

6. Can I use the rapid COVID-19 self-test if I dont have symptoms?

Rapid COVID-19 self-tests should be used if you are experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19.

7. I recently received a COVID-19 vaccine and I am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, should I use a rapid COVID-19 self-test?

You may experience symptoms after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. There is no need to use a rapid COVID-19 self-test unless symptoms persist longer than two days.

8. Can I use the rapid COVID-19 self-tests on my child who is under two years old?

The rapid self-test kits have not been approved for use in children under two years of age.

9. What happens if my rapid COVID-19 self-test is negative?

If you test negative on a rapid test, this does not always mean you do not have COVID-19. A single negative test result is not completely reliable.

If you have symptoms, stay at home until your symptoms have improved and you havent had a fever for at least 24 hours.

Repeat testing improves accuracy. If the first rapid self-test is negative, and you continue to have symptoms, do another test 48 hours later.

If you choose to get tested and you test positive, stay at home until your symptoms have improved and you havent had a fever for at least 24 hours. Contact your primary care provider or pharmacist if you think you may be eligible for COVID-19 treatments.

When you are feeling better and leave home, for 10 days after your symptoms started, you should:

10. I do not have symptoms of COVID-19 but tested positive on a rapid test, what should I do?

You have COVID-19. Visit Guidance for Positive Cases for more information.

11. I have tested positive twice using a rapid COVID-19 self-test but then had a negative third rapid COVID-19 self-test?

You have COVID-19. You only require one positive test. Do not complete any additional testing. Visit Guidance for Positive Cases for more information.

12. What happens if my rapid COVID-19 self-test is positive?

A positive rapid test result means you have COVID-19. Visit Guidance for Positive Cases for more information

13. How do I safely dispose of my used rapid COVID-19 self-test?

You can safely dispose used tests in your household garbage

14. I am symptomatic and I do not have any rapid COVID-19 self-test kits at home.

If you have symptoms, stay at home until your symptoms have improved and you havent had a fever for at least 24 hours.

Contact your primary care provider or pharmacist if you think you may be eligible for COVID-19 treatments.

15. My rapid COVID-19 self-tests are negative but I have symptoms of COVID-19, what should I do?

If you have symptoms, stay at home until your symptoms have improved and you havent had a fever for at least 24 hours.

Repeat testing improves accuracy. If the first rapid self-test is negative, and you continue to have symptoms, do another test 48 hours later.

When you are feeling better and leave home, for 10 days after your symptoms started, you should:

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Rapid Self-Testing Frequently Asked Questions - COVID-19