evidence: It is important to note that, depending on the situation, antigen tests can be less accurate than PCR tests. For example, when a person is in the early stages of infection, not a lot of the virus is in the nose and throat where samples are taken. This can cause antigen tests to miss early cases of COVID-19. It is also during this stage that a person has no symptoms, so they are more likely to be unaware they are infected. [...] Now that at-home COVID-19 tests have become more readily available on store shelves, it is important that they are performed properly, explained Dr. Koepsell. "Whether it’s testing for the genomic material or looking for the antigen of the virus, both involve typically putting a swab up your nose. [...] Table of Contents - COVID-19 testing remains important - There are many reasons to get tested - Genomic tests are sensitive - Antigen tests are quick - At-home tests must be done correctly - Effectiveness of tests varies - False negatives can happen - It's a snapshot in time - Antibody tests don’t mean protection - Tests determined need for more doses - Tests change with emerging variants