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TheCOVID-19 pandemic has created a slew of different must-have products.

Young woman at home using a rapid COVID19 test

stefanamer / Getty Images

Why is everyone so in need of these tests right now?

How do at-home COVID-19 tests work?

These tests look to see if youre infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, theCDC explains.

iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test on white background

How can you know if your at-home COVID-19 test is legitimate?

Counterfeit products have been a huge issue practically since the pandemic started, and COVID-19 testsarent immune.

Thats not to be confused with FDA approval, which usually takes more time.

Ellume COVID-19 Home Test on white background

(As you probably recall, COVID-19 vaccines were all given an EUA months before gettingofficial FDA approval.)

Keep in mind, just because a test is unauthorized in the U.S.doesnt mean its a true fake.

Health agencies in different countries have authorized different tests and dont always agree on their accuracy.

Person using On/Go Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test with iPhone app

The FDA also has arunning listof fake COVID-19 productsincluding at-home antigen teststhat you could cross-reference.

The Federal Trade Commission also offered upadviceon navigating fake COVID-19 tests last week.

Every tests accuracy is a little different, as are the statistics offered to consumers.

BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test on white background

When should you take an at-home COVID-19 test?

How can I get at-home COVID-19 tests for free?

Given those significant challenges, you might still give a shot to request tests.

InteliSwab COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Home Test Kit on white background

For more details on this announcement,go here.

Below is a breakdown of some of the most popular options.

iHealth

iHealths rapid antigen test is taken infour steps.

QuickVue Rapid At-Home COVID-19 Antigen Test Kit on white background

First, you swab both nostrils to take a nasal sample.

Then, you dip the swab into a tube with a special solution inside and stir it.

(Results should show up after 15 minutes.)

Ellume also automatically reports your data to your local health authorities.

(it’s possible for you to check the lot numberhere.)

Stir the swab in the vial and then apply three drops of the liquid to the test kit.

You should get results in 15 minutes.

it’s possible for you to report your results through an app calledNavica.

One line means youre negative; two lines means youre positive.

InteliSwab COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Home Test Kit

Walgreens

QuickVue

QuickVue keeps things pretty simple.

You swab both of your nostrils and then swirl the swab in a tube of solution.

Then dip in a test strip and wait for your results, which should show up in 10 minutes.

QuickVue Rapid At-Home COVID-19 Antigen Test Kit

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