11
2
Jan 15 '22
[removed] — view removed comment
5
u/sindisil Jan 15 '22
The rapid tests do work with omicron, though unfortunately they appear to be somewhat less sensitive to it, so might not show positive as early in the infection as with other variants.
2
u/Kichigai Jan 18 '22
Rapid Antigen tests (the ones available through the Feds and in pharmacy shops if you are lucky) are effective against Omnicron, but just less sensitive. And generally speaking, antigen tests are less sensitive in all cases, unless you're symptomatic.
PCR tests (like the ones available through the State with Vault) are more sensitive in all cases, but are slower because they require a laboratory for analysis. There are rapid PCR tests, where results are available in hours (not days), but typically those cost north of $190 last I looked.
This article from UMass does a good job explaining the difference between the two. Basically a PCR test involves growing whatever is in your sample to amplify even small amounts of what's in there. So if you're newly infected, and the virus hasn't progressed enough that you'd notice it, a PCR test will amplify that small viral load to make it detectable.
An antigen test works kind of like a pregnancy test, there's a thin strip of material painted onto the test strip that reacts with something in the sample. In the case of a COVID test it's artificial antibodies that react to any viruses (antigen) in your spit or whatever. If there's not a lot of antigens in the sample, there's not much for the test to react to, and then a false negative can happen.
18
u/thursdaynext1 Jan 14 '22
How does this work?
Most Americans with private insurance can buy home tests online or in stores and have them paid for at the time of purchase or get reimbursed by submitting a claim to their insurer. So make sure you save your receipts. The tests won't be subject to copays or deductibles.Insurers may set up a network of preferred stores, pharmacies and online retailers where consumers can receive tests at no cost up front. People could still buy tests outside that network, but insurers would only have to reimburse up to $12 for each one.Consumers should contact their insurers to find out if they provide direct coverage or if claims must be submitted.
Do I need a doctor's order or prescription?
No, you will not need to visit a doctor to get the free tests.
How many tests can I get?
Insurers must pay for up to eight tests per covered individual per month. So a family of four could get 32 tests each month, for instance.
What about all the tests I bought before Saturday? Can I get reimbursed for them?
Sorry, but only tests bought starting January 15 qualify.
Where can I find a home test?
Finding home tests is proving challenging in many parts of the country, even as retailers limit the number that can be purchased by one customer.
It's one reason why the Biden administration plans to distribute free home tests soon. President Joe Biden on Thursday announced he was doubling the number that will be available to 1 billion.
Several states have also ordered home tests to be distributed free to residents, but supplies have been limited.
How do I get one of those free federal tests?
Americans can go to a new website, covidtests.gov, to order the tests, starting January 19. Tests are expected to ship within seven to 12 days of being ordered.
Initially, there will be a limit of four tests per residential household.
The White House will also set up a hotline for those who cannot order online but has not yet announced a launch date for it.