4. Getting Answers: How and When to Test Your Child
If your child is showing any of the symptoms listed above, here are the recommended steps for testing.
- When to Test It is recommended that any child showing symptoms of illness be tested for COVID-19 to get a definitive diagnosis.
- Types of Tests
- PCR Tests: These are the most reliable (“gold standard”) tests because they detect the virus’s genetic material, making them highly accurate even with small amounts of the virus.
- Rapid Antigen Tests: These provide results quickly but are less sensitive. A negative result doesn’t completely rule out infection, especially early on. If the first test is negative but symptoms persist, guidelines recommend re-testing a day or two later.
- What to Do Next It is advised that any child with symptoms should stay isolated at home until their test results are confirmed.