FDA says three negative rapid tests needed for asymptomatic Covid
FDA recommends three negative Covid rapid antigen tests for people who have been exposed but don't have symptoms. How common is asymptomatic Covid?
The Food and Drug Administration now recommends that people who have been exposed to the coronavirus should have three negative at-home tests, even if they don’t have symptoms.
The FDA made the change Thursday based on evidence that people with an omicron infection — but who are asymptomatic — need multiple negative rapid antigen tests over a number of days to be sure they don’t have Covid. Rapid at-home tests are more likely to give a false negative result in asymptomatic cases.
“If repeat testing is not performed after a negative result, an infection may be missed and people may unknowingly spread the SARS-CoV-2 virus to others, especially if they are not experiencing symptoms,” the FDA tweeted.
The FDA previously advised serial testing — two times over three days — for asymptomatic people using an at-home Covid test. With the new guidance, the FDA is saying that people who have been exposed to Covid aren't in the clear after just one or two rapid tests, even if they don't have noticeable symptoms. It's especially important before being around other people.
“If you are going to an event, the only test that matters is the test you take right before," said Michael Mina, chief science officer for the biotech software company eMed. "Even if you have taken three negative tests within 48 hours, if you have been exposed, you should test right before you see people or go to an event to avoid transmission.”
Rating: 5