At-Home COVID Test Kits: When to Test This Winter and What to Keep at Home
Updated October 2026. At-home COVID tests are an easy thing to keep in the medicine cabinet before winter. Here is when to test, how repeat testing works, what to do with your result and what else to keep at home, based on current FDA and CDC guidance.
When should I take an at-home COVID test?
- If you have symptoms: test right away. If the result is negative, test again 48 hours later.
- If you were exposed but have no symptoms: the FDA advises waiting at least 5 full days after the exposure before testing. Testing too early can give an inaccurate result.
- Before a visit: consider testing before spending time with someone at high risk for severe COVID-19, such as an older relative or someone who is immunocompromised.
Source: FDA, Understanding At-Home OTC COVID-19 Antigen Diagnostic Test Results.
Why you may need more than one test
At-home antigen tests are less likely to detect the virus early in an infection or in people without symptoms. That is why the FDA recommends repeat (serial) testing after a negative result:
- With symptoms: at least two tests, 48 hours apart.
- Without symptoms: at least three tests, each 48 hours apart.
Source: FDA, At-Home COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests: FAQ. Always follow the instructions that come with your test.
What do my results mean?
Positive: the FDA says a positive result means you likely have COVID-19. Stay home and away from others, and contact your healthcare provider about next steps, especially if you are at higher risk.
Negative: the test did not detect the virus, but it does not rule out COVID-19. Repeat the test as described above. If you have symptoms, you may also have another illness, such as flu or RSV.
Do at-home COVID tests expire?
Yes. The expiration date is printed on each kit. Some test makers have had their shelf life extended, and the FDA keeps an up-to-date list of authorized tests and their expiration information on its at-home OTC COVID-19 test page. Check your kits before winter and replace any that are past their date.
How many tests should I keep at home?
Plan for repeat testing. One person with symptoms may use two tests, and one person without symptoms may use three. A household might keep at least two or three tests per person for the season.
The test we carry: INDICAID
The INDICAID COVID-19 Rapid Antigen At-Home Test (PHASE Scientific) is FDA-authorized for non-prescription home use. According to the FDA, it uses a nasal swab, gives results in 20 minutes, can be self-collected from age 14 or collected by an adult for ages 2 and up, and is authorized for serial testing. Each kit has 2 tests, and the expiration date is printed on each kit. Browse all COVID-19 at-home test kits.
What else to keep at home this winter
- Masks: well-fitting, NIOSH Approved N95s like the ACI 3120 surgical N95 10 pack for when someone is sick at home or you are around crowds. See Best N95 masks for winter cold and flu season.
- First aid basics: a stocked first aid kit.
- Disposable gloves: nitrile or vinyl gloves for cleaning and caregiving.
- A plan: know how to reach your healthcare provider. The CDC notes that people at higher risk should seek care promptly, because treatment may need to start within a few days of symptoms. See CDC, How to Protect Yourself and Others.
Rapid antigen vs PCR
A rapid antigen test detects viral proteins and gives you a result at home in minutes. A PCR (molecular) test detects viral genetic material and is usually processed by a lab. Read more in The difference between rapid antigen tests and RT-PCR tests.
Sources: FDA, Understanding At-Home OTC COVID-19 Antigen Test Results; FDA, At-Home COVID-19 Tests FAQ; FDA, At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests; FDA, INDICAID Letter of Authorization; CDC, Preventing Respiratory Illnesses. This article is general information, not medical advice.