This overview describes current information on the types of tests used to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection and their intended uses. This information is intended for use by healthcare providers, public health professionals, and those organizing and implementing testing in non-healthcare settings.
Background Healthcare providers use test results to diagnose disease, determine prognosis, and monitor a patient’s treatment or health status.
You can self-test (or, at-home test) for some infections. Self-testing is when you collect a swab or your own blood from a finger prick and test it with a device that provides results within minutes. There are FDA-approved self-test options for HIV and syphilis.
Testing for respiratory viruses when you feel sick can help guide decisions to further protect yourself and others. Testing may be most helpful if you are at higher risk for getting very sick, so you can seek healthcare quickly and start treatment, if apporpriate.
Talk. Test. Treat. is a campaign that encourages individuals and healthcare providers to take three simple actions – Talk. Test. Treat. – to protect their health, the health of their partner (s), and that of their patients. The campaign reinforces that all STIs are preventable and treatable, and most are curable.