Keeping Safe for the Holidays: a Guide to At-Home COVID Tests
As we travel and gather for the holidays, it’s important to remember how to keep you and your loved ones safe. Every winter season, COVID cases rise through the holidays and into the new year, so taking precautions now can help you be prepared if there’s any concerns before, during, and after the holidays.
A key step is testing - not only can testing help confirm a COVID case, but importantly, it can also give you the confidence to gather with your friends and family freely. Nearly 6 million Americans are at risk for severe COVID, so understanding the differences between testing options can help you feel confident going into the holidays.
The Difference between Rapid At-Home Tests and Lab Tests
The pandemic has reshaped our approach to healthcare, emphasizing the need for convenience and safety. Many at-home COVID tests received an EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) from the FDA in the early days of the pandemic as we needed options to test ourselves while labs were dealing with testing backlogs.
Today, lab test backlogs are no longer as much of a concern, but at-home tests are still widely available. However, many rapid antigen tests (tests that use a cassette and show results via a line, like a pregnancy test) are much less sensitive than a lab test, some as low as 50% as sensitive. In fact, the FDA actually recommends using 2-3 rapid tests to properly diagnose COVID, so the 2-packs you’re buying are actually supposed to be for 1 result. If you need to diagnose someone’s symptoms quickly or reliably, rapid antigen tests should not be your first choice. If you can, try to find a PCR or molecular test for the most accurate results.
If you can’t wait for lab results, though, you may want to consider molecular at-home test options, such as Scout.
Why Scout?
Scout has developed a platform for smart health tests that are lab-grade but can be performed at home. Some key features of Scout are:
- Affordability with Advanced Technology: Scout utilizes advanced proprietary technology, offering the same reliability as costly PCR lab tests but at a much more affordable price. This innovation ensures that regular health monitoring is no longer a financial burden but a feasible part of your routine.
- Unmatched Convenience: Our kit is designed for ease-of-access. Whether you're at home, at work, or even traveling, Scout’s portable test kits provide a practical solution. You can now get tested whenever and wherever you need, without altering your daily schedule.
- Rapid and Accurate Results: We understand that time is of the essence. Scout’s tests deliver results in as fast as 12 minutes with a 96.1% accuracy rate. This speed and precision mean you can make informed decisions about your health and activities without unnecessary delays.
- FDA-Approved Credibility: Credibility is key in healthcare. Scout’s point-of-care product is backed by FDA Emergency Use Authorization, assuring you of its safety and reliability. When you use Scout, you’re choosing a product that meets rigorous health and safety standards.
How Does Scout Work?
Using Scout is straightforward. Simply follow the instructions in the COVID Scout Test Kit to collect a sample and then use the Scout Hub testing device to analyze it. The process is quick, and you'll have your results in minutes. Plus, our support team is always ready to assist if you have any questions.
Who Can Benefit from Scout?
Scout is for everyone - whether you’re a busy professional, a parent, or a traveler. If you're exhibiting symptoms, planning to visit vulnerable family members, or just want peace of mind, Scout's at-home COVID test is your go-to solution.
As we continue to adapt to a world with COVID-19, taking charge of our health in the most convenient, accurate, and reliable way possible is crucial. Scout's at-home COVID test kit empowers you to do just that. It's more than a test; it’s a commitment to your health and peace of mind.
This Winter, Scout will be releasing our Over-the-Counter COVID Test Kits and Scout Hub. If you are interested in being one of the first to try out Scout for the holidays, you can sign up at scouthealth.com.
Scout is currently only available for use by clinical professionals and is under review by the FDA for use at home.
