Should we use rapid COVID tests before gatherings?

Ask the doctors

Q. My family members want to get together for a party this holiday season. Would it reduce our risk of COVID if we all agreed to take an over-the-counter rapid test in the morning before coming to the event?

A. It's possible that this approach might help reduce the likelihood that someone who is infected comes to the gathering. An August research letter published online by JAMA Network Open showed that direct antigen rapid tests, which can be purchased at your local drugstore, may have some value in helping to quickly identify people who have COVID before they expose others.

The study looked at 257 people who were tested for COVID-19, using both the gold standard PCR test and a rapid test. Researchers found that the rapid test was able to correctly identify someone infected with COVID 78.9% of the time, and healthy individuals in 97.1% of cases.

This type of testing may be more accurate when multiple tests are given days apart. The research letter said that a program that tested office workers twice a week was able to identify 100% of the 15 individuals who were infected with COVID during the course of the study. Researchers concluded that rapid tests can be an effective way to reduce virus transmission in in-person work environments or at social events.

That said, while rapid testing may have value, know that it's not foolproof. Tests aren't perfect and can't always guarantee that someone at an event isn't infected. In addition, it may be socially awkward to ask friends or family members to test themselves prior to an event. That said, if everyone in your family agrees, it might be something to consider.

But even if you do opt to use rapid tests prior to the event, don't forget to take other precautions as well. The best thing that people can do to reduce their risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. It is also a good idea to make sure that gathering spaces are well ventilated. (Outdoor events are even safer if weather permits.) Wearing masks can further reduce your risk, particularly if you have people at your gathering who are at high risk for serious illness.

Overall, preventing COVID takes a multi-tier approach that includes all of these strategies in addition to avoiding crowds, keeping your hands clean, and staying home when feeling sick.

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