Frequently Asked Questions About At-Home COVID-19 Tests

The iHealth rapid antigen test helps detect the virus that causes COVID-19. If you have symptoms, the test can quickly tell whether you have COVID-19. You can do the nasal swab test anywhere and get results in about 15 minutes.

You can use your iHealth test on members of your household who are 2 years old or older at any time. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends testing for the following reasons:

• You are feeling symptoms of COVID-19;
• You had a close contact with someone who has COVID-19;
• You might have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19;
• You are testing before going to a large gathering.

If you are getting tested but do not have symptoms, please refer to the iHealth instructions, or to MDH Close Contacts and Quarantine (www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/close.html).

Please follow the full directions found in the test kit package. To see how the test works, you can watch this video: How to use the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (https://youtu.be/qBt_H4Gc-rU).

Even with a negative rapid test result, someone who has symptoms should take a PCR COVID-19 test and should not return to regular activity until symptoms have improved for 24 hours. Find PCR testing options at Minnesota COVID-19 Response (mn.gov/covid19). If you have questions about your symptoms, contact a doctor or health care provider.

If you test positive, stay home and away from others. If you have symptoms, contact a doctor or health care provider. Follow the public health guidance at If You Are Sick or Test Positive (www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/sick.html).

Please call the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline at 1-833-431-2053, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.