With the arrival of the Delta and Omicron variants, we are not just yet finished with the COVID-19 pandemic. Sure, the wide distribution of vaccines has greatly helped in our fight to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease. But as breakthrough cases emerge and the virus continues to spread in non-vaccinated individuals who don’t yet have protective natural immunity, there is a need for easy access to PCR covid tests. Now there is an FDA EUA authorized saliva covid test collection device that allows for easy at-home testing. And the best part is, the covid spit test device is for a PCR covid test; the most sensitive and accurate of all covid test methods. Here are the top 5 reasons why you should keep a PCR at home covid test kit [1] in your medicine cabinet.
1. Peace-of-Mind
Get a PCR home covid test and feel the freedom of knowing you are prepared for whatever life may throw your way. The OMNIgene saliva collection device included with the Covid test has a shelf life of at least one year, giving you the confidence to confirm any family member’s COVID infection status whenever, wherever, and for whatever your need is.
2. Easy and Painless
Tired of scrambling last minute to make an appointment at an urgent care center, doctor’s office, or hospital to get a covid test. Say goodbye to these frantic phone calls with a Self-Collection PCR Test. Simply stock a test at home so you can obtain a covid sample, whenever the need arrives, on your own schedule. And the best part is the PCR home covid test kit is a saliva sampling device, which involves less discomfort than swabbing your nose.
Not thrilled with the idea of the brain poke swab? Can you spit? I bet your child can! If so, then this test is for you. Just spend as little as 2 minutes spitting into the collection device. Saliva sample collection supplies are included in your test along with detailed instructions. You collect your non-invasive spit sample from the comfort of home and mail it to a certified lab with prepaid overnight shipping. Usually within 24 hours of your sample arriving at the lab, receive secure electronic results on your device of choice.
3. School, Work or Travel Clearance
Not your typical pharmacy or urgent care center rapid test. In addition to identifying COVID-19 in a patient that is presenting with symptoms, the Self-Collection At Home Covid PCR Test can be a helpful tool to track the progression of the disease and confirm when a patient is virus-free. Print our actionable CLIA certified lab report for return to school, work, or travel.
4. Accuracy
A PCR test is considered the most accurate test method for detecting the virus that causes COVID-19. This Covid PCR test looks for the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genetic material. It checks whether you have COVID-19 right now and can spread it to others. A positive PCR test result is considered a confirmed case of COVID-19 and is reported by the performing laboratory to your state reporting agency for public health purposes.
As for rapid antigen pharmacy tests vs laboratory performed PCR tests, The Cleveland Clinic notes “the antigen test is typically faster but is less sensitive than the PCR test. Because the antigen test is not as accurate as PCR, if an antigen test is negative, your healthcare provider could request a PCR test to confirm the negative antigen test result.”
Note, the PCR at home covid test discussed is this article is not an antibody test that looks for whether you have had an immune response to a prior COVID-19 infection or vaccination. If you are interested in checking for covid antibodies from the comfort of home, check out this COVID-19 Antibody Self-Collection Test.
5. Safety and Protection
Having a home covid test kit on hand means you don’t need to go to a medical facility and risk exposing yourself to other potentially infected individuals. Moreover, if you self-collect a saliva covid test sample at home and are infected with SARS-CoV-2, you won’t risk transmitting it to the staff and patients of the healthcare facility.
With quick access to results, someone who’s infected can easily isolate to prevent further spread. Having a “just-in-case” PCR at home covid test in your medicine cabinet means you can test on your terms as soon as the need arises. And thanks to the return overnight shipping included with the self-collection covid test kit, you can expect rapid accurate actionable results, typically within 24 hours of the lab receiving the specimen.
If you’re feeling sick now and don’t have a Covid PCR test on hand, don’t worry you’re covered. You may choose expedited next-day shipping to receive your at home Covid test.
Related Content
Ditch Nose Swabs for a Home Saliva PCR Covid Test Kit. 4U Health. Updated December 6, 2021.
Vitamin D & Coronavirus Prevention: Facts & Myths. 4U Health. Updated December 6, 2021.
About 4U Health
4U Health offers at-home lab testing to help you feel like your best self. Visit us at 4uHealth.com to learn about our COVID-19 Antibody Self-Collection At Home Test Kit, explore healthy living and wellness topics, and view our full at-home lab testing menu.
If you’re interested in a PCR at home COVID test to detect COVID-19 (including Omicron and its other variants), check out 4U Health’s COVID-19 Active Infection Self-Collection Test. It’s recommended for children 5+ and adults alike. For the timeliest results, we advise having a “just-in-case” saliva kit stocked in your medicine cabinet so you can test on your terms. Overnight shipping is included and results are typically within 24 hours of receipt by the lab.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Self-Testing. URL. Updated November 4, 2021. Accessed December 6, 2021.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Test for Current Infection. URL. Updated October 27, 2021. Accessed December 6, 2021.
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. Procop, GW et. al. Home testing for COVID-19: Benefits and limitations. URL. March 1, 2021. Accessed December 6, 2021.
CNBC. Stieg, C. What you should do if you or someone you know is fully vaccinated but tests positive for Covid anyway. URL. Updated July 29, 2021. Accessed December 6, 2021.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). URL. Updated December 3, 2021.Accessed December 6, 2021.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION (EUA) SUMMARY OMNIGENE·ORAL OM-505 AND OME-505 SALIVA COLLECTION DEVICES. URL. Updated October 28, 2020. Accessed December 6, 2021.
Note(s)
[1] The term “kit” references the OMNIgene saliva collection device that is a part of the COVID-19 Active Infection Self-Collection Test.
Updated: December 6, 2021