COVID-19 Rapid Tests | El Paso County Public Health

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Rapid Tests for COVID-19 give results in 15 minutes and can be taken anywhere, regardless of your vaccination status or whether or not you have symptoms.

They detect current infection and are sometimes also called "self tests," “home tests,” “at-home tests,” or “over-the-counter (OTC) tests.”
They give your result in a 15 minutes and are different from laboratory-based tests that may take days to return your result.
Self-tests along with vaccination and other prevention steps reduce the chances of spreading COVID-19.
Self-tests do not detect antibodies which would suggest a previous infection and they do not measure your level of immunity.

iHealth expiration dates extended three months

The expiration dates on the iHealth rapid COVID-19 tests distributed by El Paso County Public Health were extended by the FDA by three months from what is printed on the box.

Questions?

Call (719) 578-3220 for questions about rapid tests.

Para preguntas comuníquese a: (719) 578-3220

When to take a rapid test

Test yourself if...	Timing
You have any COVID-19 symptoms	Immediately
You were exposed to someone with COVID-19	At least 5 days after your exposure If you test negative for COVID-19, consider testing again 1 to 2 days after your first test
You are going to an indoor event or a gathering	Immediately before the gathering, or as close to the time of the event as possible This is especially important before gathering with individuals at risk of severe disease, older adults, those who are immunocompromised, or people who are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, including children who cannot get vaccinated yet.

How to use a rapid COVID-19 test

Read the complete manufacturer’s instructions for use before using the test.

To use an at-home test, you will collect a nasal specimen and then test that specimen.
If you do not follow the manufacturer’s instructions, your test result may be incorrect.
Wash your hands before and after you collect a nasal specimen for your test.

How to use BinaxNOW Self Test

How to use the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test

MCDPH iHealth COVID-19 Rapid Self-Test Kit Demo (with Spanish subtitles)

Pruebas rápidas de COVID-19

What your test result means

Positive

The test detected the virus and you have an infection.
Follow isolation guidance.
Tell your close contacts.
Wear a well-fitted mask when around others. If available, a N95 or KN95 respirator is recommended.
Watch for symptoms. If you have any emergency warning signs, seek emergency care immediately.
Tell your healthcare provider. Contact them as soon as possible if:
- Your symptoms get worse.
- You are more likely to get very sick because you are an older adult or have an underlying medical condition. Possible treatment may be available for you.
- You have questions about your isolation.

Negative

The test did not detect the virus, but doesn’t rule out an infection.
You may require additional testing. You should get a laboratory-based PCR test if you have symptoms of COVID-19 but tested negative on the antigen test because antigen tests may miss some positive cases. Find a free PCR testing site through El Paso County Public Health.