Are COVID Rapid Tests WORTHLESS?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 4, 2023
Boy, how times have changed. These days when you start feeling a little under the weather, one of your first thoughts is likely, “I’ll take a COVID test, just to be sure.”
But by now, you may have heard the buzz among family, friends, or online that at-home COVID tests may no longer be entirely accurate. Or worse, that they’re WORTHLESS.
But is it true?
Three years after the COVID-19 pandemic started is an excellent time to reevaluate if the tools we’ve been using to curb its spread, like rapid COVID tests, are still working.
So I applaud you for thinking about it.
The virus’s ability to infect healthy cells relies on a spike protein. The CHANGES that occur in this protein are what spur new variants – they’re then given their own names, such as Omicron, Delta, and Alpha.
But the spike protein ISN’T what the quick antigen tests are designed to detect. These at-home COVID tests are looking for something called a nucleocapsid protein. It’s the protein that surrounds the viral RNA.
Throughout all the virus’s changes, this inner protein HASN’T changed much. So the good news is the COVID tests you’re using at home ARE still a good way to detect the virus.
They’ve never been 100 percent accurate (few tests are). But there’s currently no evidence that there are more false negatives now than when we first started using them.
Just make sure…
- the test has NOT expired
- you follow ALL of the directions
- you get ENOUGH of a sample (using the swab correctly)
- to test several times over several days
As life slowly returns to our new version of normal, at-home COVID tests will continue to be a valuable tool to help us stop the spread of this virus.
P.S. Researchers say losing your ability to DO THIS is a red flag for the brain inflammation associated with post-COVID syndrome. Don’t miss this warning sign. CLICK HERE for all the details.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Scientists Discover Hidden CAUSE of Stubborn Diabetes
If, despite diet and exercise, you’re struggling to control type 2 diabetes, this might be the most important thing you read this year. New research uncovered a microscopic malfunction in muscle cells—and it could be sabotaging your body’s response to insulin. The most shocking part? It has nothing to do with your diet, weight, or...
Mailbag: 7 Natural Allergy Fighters That Won't Leave You Drowsy
“I have a really bad allergy and take an antihistamine every 3rd day because they are bad for your health. I really need to take one a day but I suffer so I will not overdo it. Is there anything out there that is natural that really works? Thank you,” Sneezy and Allergic Hi Sneezy, It’s...
Eat 23 of These Daily to SLASH Heart Risk [DELICIOUS!]
When it comes to heart health, we’re constantly told what we need to cut out. You know the drill—ditch the salt, dump the sugar, and avoid the processed foods. But what if I told you that adding something to your diet could be just as effective for protecting your heart? A comprehensive new scientific analysis...
"Yellow Devil" Fruit CRUSHES Blood Pressure Better Than Meds
I have a confession to make. I hate bananas. Even the smell of them causes my stomach to flip. The funny thing is that I have an uncle and a daughter who are the same—so I wonder if it’s genetic. But even though I consider them the yellow devil of the fruit world, I recommend...
50-Cent Nutrient Puts the Brakes on Aging
Scientists discovered a remarkable “anti-aging” solution hiding in plain sight. It isn’t some exotic compound from a remote rainforest or an expensive laboratory creation. It’s a nutrient you can find at any pharmacy for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. The trouble is, most seniors aren’t getting enough of it, which researchers...
The Hidden Brain Risk Lurking in Your Living Room
If you’re reading this while settled into your favorite chair, you might want to consider standing up… New research uncovered something that might surprise you. Sitting too much can literally shrink your brain. But it gets worse… We all know being sedentary isn’t good for our health. However, researchers at Vanderbilt University uncovered something alarming....
“Biohack” Your Life Like a Billionaire?! Here’s How
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the billionaire who spent millions on “biohacking” to try to make himself younger. He measures hundreds of biomarkers and pops dozens of pills daily. And he’s undergoing experimental treatments that cost more than most folks’ houses. It may have left you wondering if regular people like you and I...
Do THIS Daily to Improve Strength, Flexibility, and Endurance
For any couch potatoes out there… I have some exciting news. If you’ve been avoiding exercise because you hate the gym or don’t have the time, that might be about to change. A groundbreaking study reveals how a few simple moves, done daily in your own home, could dramatically improve your fitness—even if you’ve skipped...
Mailbag: A Post-Prostate Cancer Blueprint for a Better Recovery
“My son just got his prostate removed because of cancer. He is doing well and recovering. My question is there any information you can forward with regards to his lifestyle? Are there things he should not eat, things he should be eating, is social drinking a risk, any vitamins that should be on his list?...
The Stroke-Boosting Threat Lurking in YOUR Arteries
We want to take a moment on this Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selfless commitment to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten, and their legacy lives on in the country they helped preserve. I’ve warned you...