Testing is the most important way you can help control the spread of COVID-19.
Taking an at-home antigen test is the quickest way to identify if someone is infected.
You wake up feeling sniffly, and your throat is scratchy. Could it be COVID-19?
Taking a home antigen test is the quickest and easiest way to put your mind at ease and make sure, if you are infected, you’re not putting others at risk by spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
“While vaccination remains the best way to combat severe illness from COVID-19, testing is the most important tool to prevent the spread of the virus right now,” said Craig Robbins, MD, physician co-lead for Kaiser Permanente’s national COVID-19 vaccination program. “Testing quickly identifies someone who is infected so they can stay home and prevent further transmission.”
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, PCR lab tests were almost always used to detect the virus. As antigen tests have become widely available, it’s easier and faster to get test results at home.
In most cases, home antigen tests or self-tests — the kind sold over the counter — are your best option. You can use these tests when you:
Home antigen tests offer a quick result (in 30 minutes or less) and don’t require a trip to a medical facility. They are an easy way to find out whether you have COVID-19 and could infect others. If your test result is positive, stay home and isolate, and contact your doctor if you need guidance or support.
“Self-tests have been shown to provide accurate results, even against the virus’s many variants,” Dr. Robbins said.
Of course, there are a few circumstances that may require an in-person PCR test.
For example, your doctor may tell you to get a PCR test before a medical procedure or hospital admission. You or a family member may also need to show a negative PCR test result before attending certain events or activities.
If you’re a Kaiser Permanente member, choosing Kaiser Permanente for your PCR test ensures that your test result gets added to your medical record. Your care team can then follow up with clinical guidance, if needed.
When you get a PCR test at a Kaiser Permanente facility, you’ll usually get your results in 24 hours or less — and you can view your test results on kp.org or the mobile app.
Coverage and cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and treatment is changing for some of our members after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends on May 11. Visit kp.org for details.
Visit kp.org/covidtests to learn how to schedule a PCR test near you.
The new Wildomar Trail Medical Offices offer additional opportunities for …
Kaiser Permanente has opened a new Radiation Oncology Center at the Bellflower …
It’s easy to put off recommended health screenings, and sometimes even …
Kaiser Permanente grant and challenge spark $18.7 million for Denver Health’s …
Medical Financial Assistance program supports access to health care.
Kaiser Permanente offers financial assistance for people struggling to …
Kaiser Permanente opens medical offices and a new home for the Watts Counselin …
Kaiser Permanente, AMA, AHA, ACHP, and AHIP join to strengthen the partnership …
Six steps help you prep for winter trips.
Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is on the rise. To reverse that …
The updated vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
Organizations that provide public mental health crisis services must work …
Kaiser Permanente increases access to mental health services in Southern …
Stories in the Department of Research & Evaluation 2022 Annual Report demonstr …
A new location-based vaccine strategy by Kaiser Permanente was successful …
The Kaiser Permanente Community Support Hub can help members find community …
Kaiser Permanente addresses the Supreme Court decision on LGBTQIA+ protections …
Kaiser Permanente researchers led analysis of large, diverse group of young …
Changing my career and becoming a therapist revealed ways our country can …
Funding comes as Denver Health provided $120 million in uncompensated care …
The annual Seattle King County Clinic brings health care to low-income …
Kaiser Permanente supports Asian Americans Advancing Justice to promote …
Grant funds will combat housing inaccessibility and improve health care …
Vaccinations, testing, and treatment are still widely accessible. Member …
With the COVID-19 public health emergency ending, states, community organizati …
Kaiser Permanente offers many high-quality, convenient options to help …
Kaiser Permanente launches new mobile health vehicle on Oahu.
Learning from this historic health crisis will better prepare us for future …
A Kaiser Permanente study finds COVID-19 patients treated quickly with …
Kaiser Permanente in Southern California partners with San Diego Wave Fútbol …
From avid snowboarder to chronically ill patient. How Kaiser Permanente …
Almost 16 million people in the United States have chronic obstructive …
Proactive flu prevention outreach in Downey, California.
Two leading infectious disease physicians discuss what to expect with COVID-19 …
Making key pandemic-era telehealth policies permanent and ensuring more …
Kaiser Permanente study shows that exercise is associated with lower rates …
A statement of support from Kaiser Permanente chair and CEO Greg A. Adams …
As colder weather and rain arrive in Oregon, Katie Sharff, MD, an infectious …
Our expansion in Watts is part of a broader community health commitment …
New care option offers pregnant patients a mix of in-person and video visits.
A Kaiser Permanente study of more than 250,000 people shows that patients …
Congress should act to make COVID-19 policies permanent and ensure millions …
Kaiser Permanente’s agreement with Cigna provides more convenient access …
Mobile dental and medical clinics are now available for uninsured individuals …
Kaiser Permanente study finds vaccinated surgical patients had no elevated …
Providing safe and effective vaccinations to children is an important step …
We donated over $28 million worth of face masks, hand sanitizer, and other …
A Kaiser Permanente member receives physical and emotional support from …
Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, a Kaiser Permanente pediatrician …
Kaiser Permanente grants are supporting businesses such as the Carefree …
Grants expand support for faith-based organizations working to protect …
After serving on the White House COVID-19 response team, Bechara Choucair, …
Stuck at home during the pandemic, a Kaiser Permanente member with autoimmune …
Kaiser Permanente and other leading companies are mandating COVID-19 shots …
A statement from Kaiser Permanente chair and chief executive officer Greg …
Kaiser Permanente’s partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation, …
For people without a safe place to call home, good health is often out …
Kaiser Permanente and Advancing Justice — AAJC support Asian Americans, …
Video visits and virtual collaboration speed cancer care transformation …
Kaiser Permanente study finds that the decrease reported during the onset …
Kaiser Permanente research underscores the importance of culturally appropriat …
The goal is to fill information gaps for COVID-19 prevention and vaccines, …
As vaccines bring hope to end the pandemic, Kaiser Permanente’s toolkit …
A statement from CEO Greg A. Adams about the American Rescue Plan Act.
Available 24/7 with no appointment, e-visits offer Kaiser Permanente members …
A diabetes specialist talks about new trends in providing care, and innovation …
Health care system provides model for screening patients for access to …
With expanded telehealth options, Kaiser Permanente members get convenient …
Skilled care and thorough infection-prevention protocols kept Eleanor Gorman …
Kaiser Permanente scientists and clinicians are running clinical trials …
Kaiser Permanente pledges more than $28 million in grants, many to address …
Good communication is key to good health. During Kaiser Permanente’s 75th …
Newsweek’s Best Maternity Care Hospitals 2020 report recognizes Kaiser …
Kaiser Permanente is part of a phase 1 trial testing a vaccine designed …
Kaiser Permanente’s fully integrated telehealth capabilities place quality …
Helping people strengthen connections, maintain healthy routines, and find …
New Kaiser Permanente research backs anecdotal reports that people are …
Kaiser Permanente nurses have been saving lives on the front lines since …