Photo courtesy of sophomore Erika Spargo

  In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is extremely important to make sure that San Luis Obispo High School students are staying safe and healthy. One way to do this is by getting tested when necessary. 

  Although SLOHS does not accept at-home tests, getting tested without going to a site can have various benefits for students who need quick proof of being negative for COVID-19.

  There are multiple types of tests, including antigen tests, which can be taken from home, and PCR tests, which are available at testing sites.

  “Antigen tests are rapid and more appropriate for people who don’t have symptoms, like athletes or for teachers of staff that haven’t been vaccinated or have declined to state their vaccination status,” said SLOHS nurse Grace Van Doren.

  Testing kits are perfect for people who are not necessarily symptomatic, but need to show negative results for their jobs or positions. For example, those who plan on going to a concert or travelling via plane should consider rapid at-home tests in order to produce proof of their health. 

  Testing at home is ideal for people who have little or no access to transportation and cannot easily reach a testing site.

  At-home tests are also extremely simple and only require a few steps. One of the leading brands, LetsGetChecked, sells an antigen test kit that requires a saliva sample to be sent to their labs through UPS. This test kit allows you to view your results within twenty four to seventy two hours on an app or on the LetsGetChecked website. 

  However, there are some downsides to at-home tests. 

  First of all, these tests can tend to be costly. BinaxNow sells two at-home antigen tests for 23.99, which is quite significant compared to going to a testing site for free. 

“If you have the resources, then antigen testing might be a benefit, but because we don’t accept them in the schools, it could be a waste of money if students are symptomatic and looking to get tested right away,” said Van Doren.

  At-home tests also tend to be less accurate. 

  “It’s just not a sensitive enough test to determine whether or not a person is infectious with COVID-19. It is really important to make sure that the test is being done with fidelity,” said Van Doren. 

  For those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or need to get tested in order to continue with school, the PCR test is a better option. 

  For people who need to get tested in order to show negative results to go to an event, such as this year’s Homecoming, or for other circumstances, at-home testing is viable.