Centers for Disease ICDC Contro and Prevention COVID-19 MENU Back to COVID-19 Home Self-Testing For rapid COVID-19 tests anywhere Updated Mar, 9, 2022 Languages Print What is a Self-Test or At-Home Test? Self-tests for COVID-19 give rapid results and can be taken anywhere; regardless of your vaccination status or whether or not you have symptoms: They detect current infection and are sometimes also called "home tests at-home tests; or "over-the-counter (OTC) tests_ give your result In a few minutes and are different from laboratory- based tests that may take days to return your result: Self-tests with vaccination; wearing_ well-fitted mask and physical distancing; help protect yoLand others by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19. Self-tests do not detect antibodies which would suggest a previous infection and they do not measure your level of immunity: When To Take an At-Home COVID-19 Test Test Yourself If__ Tlmlng You have any CQVID-19symptoms Immediately You were exposed to someone with At least 5 days after your exposure COVID-19 Ifyou test negative for COVID-19, consider testing again to 2 days after your first test You are going to an indoor event or Immediately before the gathering; gathering or as close to the time of the event as Dossible doing They along