Use of At-Home COVID-19 Tests — United States, August 23, 2021–March 12, 2022 | MMWR - ISS-G20 Laboratorium Repository

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

At-home rapid COVID-19 antigen tests (at-home tests) have become widely available in the United States.

What is added by this report?

A rapid increase in U.S. at-home test use occurred between the SARS-CoV-2 Delta- and Omicron-predominant periods; at-home test use was lower among persons who self-identified as Black, were aged ≥75 years, had lower incomes, and had a high school level education or less. Commonly reported reasons for using at-home tests included exposure concerns and symptoms.

What are the implications for public health practice?

COVID-19 testing, including at-home tests, along with prevention measures such as quarantine and isolation when warranted, wearing a well-fitted mask when recommended after a positive test or known exposure, and staying up to date with vaccination can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Providing reliable and low-cost or free at-home test kits to underserved populations with otherwise limited access to COVID-19 testing could assist with continued prevention efforts.

Entire content available on: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7113e1.htm?s_cid=mm7113e1_x