BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test: A Review

BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test: A Review

If you are looking for a fast, easy, and reliable way to test yourself for COVID-19 at home, you may want to consider the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test. This is a rapid antigen test that can detect the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19 in just 15 minutes, without sending your sample to a lab. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, and limitations of this test, as well as compare it with some similar products on the market. We will also share some customer reviews and provide a link to purchase the test online.

What is the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test?

The BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test is a lateral flow immunoassay that uses a shallow nasal swab to check for the presence or absence of proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19. The test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under an emergency use authorization (EUA) for non-prescription home use. The test is indicated for all people aged 15 years or older and for children as young as 2 years old when samples are collected by an adult. The test can be used for people with and without symptoms, and it can screen for multiple variants of the virus, including Delta and Omicron.

How does the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test work?

The BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test is simple to use, even if you have never tested yourself before. The test kit comes with everything you need to perform two tests: two swabs, two test cards, and two dropper bottles. Each test card contains a test strip that reacts with the nasal swab sample and shows a positive or negative result. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Open the test card and apply six drops of the reagent solution to the top hole only.

2. Gently insert the swab about half an inch into each nostril and swirl it around for 15 seconds on each side.
3. Insert the swab through the bottom hole into the top hole of the test card and turn it clockwise three times.
4. Fold the test card over the swab and wait for 15 minutes to read your result.
5. To check for a positive result, look at the result window for two pink or purple lines. To check for a negative result, look for one line next to the letter C.

If your result is negative and you don’t have any symptoms, you should test again two more times with at least 36 hours between each test. If you have symptoms, you only need to take one test.

What are the benefits of the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test?

The BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test has several benefits that make it a convenient and effective option for at-home testing. Some of these benefits are:

– It provides results in 15 minutes, without requiring any lab processing or equipment.
– It uses a shallow nasal swab that is less invasive and more comfortable than a deep nasopharyngeal swab.
– It can detect multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19, including Delta and Omicron.
– It is widely available at local retail stores and online platforms.
– It is affordable and accessible, costing around $20 for a pack of two tests.

What are the limitations of the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test?

The BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test also has some limitations that you should be aware of before using it. Some of these limitations are:

– It is not as accurate as a PCR test, which is considered the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. According to a 2021 review, antigen tests correctly detected the virus in 72% of people with symptoms and 58% of people without symptoms.
– It may give false negative results if you take it too early or too late in your infection, or if you don’t follow the instructions correctly.
– It may give false positive results if you have been previously infected with COVID-19 or vaccinated against it.
– It does not replace the need for other preventive measures, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and getting vaccinated.

How does the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test compare with other similar products?

There are other similar products on the market that offer at-home testing for COVID-19 using antigen tests. Here is a table that compares some of them with the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test:

As you can see, the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test is one of the most affordable and widely available options, and it can detect the latest variants of the virus. However, it may not be as accurate as a PCR test, and it requires two tests for asymptomatic people.

What do customers say about the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test?

The BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test has received mostly positive reviews from customers who have used it. On Amazon, it has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, based on over 3,000 reviews. Here are some of the comments from verified purchasers:

– “I have used this test several times and it has been accurate every time. It is easy to use and gives results quickly. I highly recommend it for anyone who needs to test themselves or their family members for COVID-19.”
– “This test is a lifesaver. I was able to test myself at home and avoid going to a crowded testing site. The instructions are clear and the swab is not painful. The result was negative, which gave me peace of mind.”
– “I bought this test to check myself before traveling. It was simple to use and the result was positive. I confirmed it with a PCR test and it was also positive. I’m glad I found out before exposing others to the virus.”
– “This test is a waste of money. It gave me a false negative result when I had symptoms of COVID-19. I took a PCR test and it was positive. This test is not reliable and should not be sold to the public.”

As you can see, most customers are satisfied with the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test, but some have experienced false negative results. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and confirm your result with a PCR test if you have any doubts.

Where can you buy the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test?

The BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test is available at many local retail stores, such as Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Target, and Rite Aid. You can also order it online from platforms such as Amazon, Abbott Store, Kroger, and Costco. The price may vary depending on the store and the availability.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test:

– Q: How long does the test remain valid after opening?
– A: The test should be used within one hour of opening the pouch.

– Q: What should I do if my result is invalid or unclear?
– A: An invalid result occurs when there is no line next to the letter C in the result window. An unclear result occurs when the lines are faint or blurry. In either case, you should discard the test and use a new one.

– Q: What should I do if my result is positive?
– A: A positive result means that you are likely infected with COVID-19. You should isolate yourself from others, contact your healthcare provider, and follow the CDC guidelines for people who are sick.

– Q: What should I do if my result is negative?
– A: A negative result means that you are likely not infected with COVID-19 at the time of testing. However, this does not rule out the possibility of infection in the future or exposure to other variants of the virus. You should continue to follow the CDC guidelines for preventing COVID-19.

Conclusion

The BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test is a convenient and affordable option for at-home testing for COVID-19. It can provide results in 15 minutes and detect multiple variants of the virus. However, it is not as accurate as a PCR test and may give false negative or positive results. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and confirm your result with a PCR test if you have any doubts.

If you are interested in buying the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test, you can click on this link to order it online from Amazon or find it at your local retail store.

: [BinaxNOW: What You Need to Know] [^2^

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