COVID self-test: what é, how to do it and results

This test is recommended for people who have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, such as cough, fever, sore throat or excessive tiredness, and can be done between the 1st and 7th day of symptoms. Unlike pharmacy tests, the self-test is performed by inserting the swab (swab) only in the front of the nose, not having to insert it all the way to the nasopharynx, which makes the process easier, less invasive and more comfortable.

Although it allows identifying the presence of SARS-CoV-2 particles in secretions, this test is not considered a diagnostic test, as a positive result must always be confirmed by an RT-PCR test performed in a clinic or hospital, to confirm the diagnosis of COVID-19.

How to do the self-test

To perform the self-test correctly, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the kit

Wash hands with soap and water or use a disinfectant;
Check the expiration date on the package. If the deadline has been exceeded, you should avoid using the test, as the result can be changed;
Open the self-test kit and take out: the packaged swab, the liquid container, the packaged test cassette and a plastic bag.

2. Perform collection

Remove the swab from the package, opening at the end, avoiding touching the end that has the cotton;
Tilt your head back and insert the swab into one of your nostrils, until it reaches about 2 cm;
Rotate the swab on the nose 4 times, or for 10-15 seconds;
Insert the swab in the other nostril and repeat the procedure;
Open the container containing the liquid and insert the tip of the swab. Squeeze the sides of the container and rotate the swab about 10 times;
Remove the swab, squeezing the sides of the container to squeeze the liquid from the cotton, and close the container with the cap provided.

3. Run test

Open the test cassette package and place it on a flat surface;
Place 4 drops of liquid in the test window (smallest window of the test cassette);
Wait at least 15 minutes to get the result.

At the end of the test, all used material must be placed and closed inside the plastic bag provided with the self-test kit, before being discarded in the trash.

How to understand the result

The self-test result should read as follows:

1 stripe in "C": negative result. It means that no virus particles were identified in the analyzed secretion;
2-Stripes: positive result. Indicates that virus particles were identified in the analyzed secretion;
1 stripe in "T": invalid result. It means that an error occurred during the test and therefore it needs to be repeated.

Even when the result is negative, it is important to remember that this does not indicate with 100% certainty that the person is not infected. virus in the body was still very low, not being identified by the test. Therefore, if symptoms are present or an infection is suspected, it is important to perform a rapid drug test or an RT-PCR.

What to do in case of a positive result

The self-test result is considered positive when 2 stripes appear on the test cassette, even if one of the rich stripes appears more "faded". To find out what to do, please select the option that best describes your situation:

option=b, @block-A1"' > I tested positive for COVID-19.
option=c, @block-A1"' > I have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.
option=d, @block-A1"' > I've been in contact with positive case.
option=f, @block-F1"' > I've had COVID-19, but I still have symptoms.
option=e, @block-A1"' > I want to know more information.
country=en, @block-B1"}, {"condition":"option=c", "action":">country=en, @block-C1"}, {"condition":"option=d", "action":">country=en, @block-D2"}, {"condition":"option=e", "action":">country=en, @block-E1"}]' > Portugal
country=br, @block-B1"}, {"condition":"option=c", "action":">country=br, @block-C1"}, {"condition":"option=d", "action":">country=br, @block-D1"}, {"condition":"option=e", "action":">country=br, @block-E1"}]' >
Self-test.
Rapid antigen test.
RT-PCR.

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I have no symptoms.
I only have mild symptoms (fever, cough, tiredness, headache, sore throat, loss of taste…).
I have moderate symptoms (very intense cough, some shortness of breath, excessive tiredness…).
I'm really short of breath.

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No.
I did a self-test
I did a rapid antigen test.
I did RT-PCR test.

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test=0"' > Negative
test=1"' > Positive

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It is possible that your symptoms are a sign of another infection, such as the flu or H3N2, for example. Still, we advise you to repeat the COVID-19 test within the next 3 days. Check out the differences between flu, COVID-19 and a cold.

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risk=1, @block-D5"' > I live with the person who tested positive.
I have been in direct contact with the positive person (less than 2 meters) for more than 15 minutes and I am a he alth professional or work in an institution for the elderly.
risk=0"' > The person who tests positive does not live with me.

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Yes.
No.

Your contact is considered high risk. You do not need to isolate yourself, but you must maintain all personal protective measures for 14 days, be aware of the appearance of symptoms and perform a COVID test as soon as possible (rapid test or RT-PCR). If the result of the 1st test is negative, you must repeat the test between the 3rd and 5th day after contact with the positive person.

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Your contact is considered low risk. For this reason, you don't need to do isolation, or perform COVID test. However, you must maintain all personal protective measures (such as wearing a mask and avoiding unnecessary travel) and be aware of the appearance of symptoms in the next 14 days.