Testing

NAAT – PCR/LAMP Tests 

PCR and LAMP tests are generally the most reliable tests. PCR tests, however, need to be analyzed at a lab, which means a longer wait for results. At-home LAMP tests can provide results within an hour because the sample does not need to go to a lab for analysis.

Antigen Tests 

Antigen tests provide rapid results. They can also be purchased at pharmacies or other stores and are easy to use. An antigen test can help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Antigen tests look for proteins on the virus to tell if you are currently infected with COVID-19.

An antigen test can be used if you have symptoms or if you are a close contact, but be sure to take BOTH tests, at least 24 hours apart.

An antigen test should be used if you tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days, because the other test types may continue to be positive due to your previous infection.

Vermont has issued an emergency rule requiring health insurers to cover the retail purchase of most FDA-authorized COVID-19 antigen tests. If the tests are covered by your health insurance, you may be able to show your insurance card at the pharmacy counter and get test kits at no cost to you. Some health plans may require you to pay for the tests and then be reimbursed.

Serologic, or antibody, tests identify people who have previously been infected with the COVID-19 virus and do not show whether a person is currently infected. 

If someone was infected with COVID-19, there will be antibodies in their blood whether the person ever felt sick or not. The testing measures the body’s immune response to the virus. It does not detect the virus itself. The COVID-19 vaccines could cause you to test positive on some antibody tests. This is because your body develops an immune response when you get vaccinated. 
 
With any test, there is always a risk of incorrect test results – false-positive and false-negative results. We need a good and accurate test we can rely on. The Vermont Department of Health convened a working group of experts to research antibody tests. Their findings conclude that at this time, the serologic (antibody) tests that are currently available would not produce results that are accurate or reliable enough for Vermont. The working group will continue to meet regularly and will be watching closely for changes and improvements in serologic testing. Recommendations may change based on new data. 

Though certain providers may offer antibody testing in Vermont, the working group cautions against using serologic testing to make decisions about individuals. For example, the test should not be used to establish “proof of immunity.” However, this type of test could help us better understand the population-level rate of infection from COVID-19 in Vermont. 

The CDC is working with commercial laboratories to estimate the percentage of people who were infected with the COVID-19 virus. The strategy involves working with state, local, territorial, academic and commercial partners to better understand COVID-19 in the United States using serology testing for surveillance. 

Learn more from the Food and Drug Administration about COVID-19 tests
 

Every home in the United States can order a third round of 8 free COVID-19 at-home tests (4 packages of 2 each).
The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. For technical support call 1-800-344-7779.

Order COVID TesT kits

Frequently Asked Questions about the federal program