Corona self-test for at home: tips for use

The Corona self-test in free sales has been available since March 2021: Aldi was the first discounter in Germany to give its customers access. Rossmann and, who offer Corona self-tests in their branches as well as online, ensured even more supplies and and online pharmacies like and . Self now conducts rapid tests. But how exactly do they work? And which variants has the Federal Institute for Drugs approved? We have summarized the most important questions and answers for you below.

1. Which corona self-tests have been approved?

The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) has so far approved more than 50 different corona self-tests for home use. Via special approvals for tests for self-use by laypeople, you will find all products that can now officially be carried out in your own four walls without medical staff. You can find the first 50 here:

2. What should be considered when buying?

With the release of corona self-tests for private use, the risk increases that – in addition to the official special approvals – there will soon also be many fakes on the market. For this reason, new products, such as respiratory masks, should have a CE mark. This is awarded by TÜV or Dekra, for example, and means that the protection and quality standards applicable in Europe have been complied with. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices gives the following information: “The designation for self-use by laypeople implies a completed conformity assessment procedure in accordance with IVDD 98/79 / EC Annex III Point 6 with the involvement of a notified body (recognizable by the 4-digit identification number of the named persons involved Place next to the CE mark, it must be stated on the outer packaging as well as in the instructions for use) or a special approval from the BfArM in accordance with Section 11, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Devices Act (MPG) “. In other words, a corona self-test must either have CE certification or have a special approval.

3. How reliable is the corona self-test?

It is important for you to know that a corona self-test is not as precise as a PCR test, which may only be carried out by trained personnel. The result is a snapshot and does not give you 100% certainty that you are not infected after all. The over-the-counter tests do not recognize the genetic material of the virus (RNA), but antigens – i.e. protein fragments (proteins) of the pathogen. Nevertheless, a self-test makes sense, as it can significantly reduce the risk of unknowingly infecting other people. This is also shown by one of the Berlin Charité about antigen tests that were carried out by laypeople last year. It emerged that 33 out of 40 corona infected people could be recognized.

4. For whom is the corona self-test suitable?

The self-tests were developed in such a way that they can be used by laypeople – i.e. not trained or medically trained people. It should be so easy to use that people with disabilities or children can understand how to use it. The tests can best detect an infection just before symptoms start or when symptoms start. A corona self-test gives you and your environment more security – for example, before a planned family visit. The distance and hygiene rules must, however, continue to be adhered to even if the test result is negative.

5. How is a corona self-test used?

A corona self-test, which is now available in many online shops and pharmacies, is suitable for the so-called nasal swab. How exactly the test must be used is described in detail in the manufacturer’s instructions for use. In any case, it is important that you follow the individual steps exactly – the more precisely the implementation, the more accurate the test result. After you have taken the rapid corona test, you usually have to wait 15 to 20 minutes for the result to be displayed.

The following is an example of how to run the NOVEL 2019-nCoV Corona Antigen self-test from apply correctly:

6. What to do in the event of a positive corona test?

If the Corona self-test shows you a positive result, you should stay calm for the time being. A PCR test must be performed to make sure that you are really infected. To do this, call the health department or your family doctor and make an appointment – please do not go to a public test station. After you have been tested, you must immediately go into quarantine until the final test result is available. If you have tested positive for the corona virus again, the quarantine conditions apply to you. you will find an overview of what to do in the event of a positive test result.
If, on the other hand, the result is negative, this is unfortunately still no guarantee that you have not become infected. However, the probability decreases. Nevertheless, it is important that you continue to take care of yourself and your environment.

Another important note: A corona self-test does not replace the AHA-L rules. In order to protect ourselves and our surroundings to the best of our knowledge and belief, we must continue to adhere to all applicable hygiene measures.

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