A member asked:

Good morning doctors. how accurate is the covid rapid antigen test? thank god i tested negative, but was wondering about the accuracy?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

False positive & false negative tests do occur. It's important to obtain the specimen properly and follow instructions to minimze false negative tests. If a positive reading occurs in the complete absence of symptoms or some exposure to a known case, I'd be skeptical until the more accurate PCR test is done and is positive. You'd have to self isolate until the PCR results are reported.

Answered 12/3/2021

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The antigen test is best done 4-7 days after symptoms onset but has many false negatives. The PCR although not perfect, is far more accurate and should be done if questions persist

Answered 12/15/2021

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