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Now that the coronavirus testing became widely available in the United States, many people are taking advantage of this fact. But while the administration test was streamlined, theThe tests themselves can always be imprecise. To optimize your test Covid-19 and really determine whether or not you have the virus, you want to make sure you get tested on the day you're most likely to receive an accurate reading.

According to a recent study published in theAnnals of internal medicineThe tests return an alarming amount offalse negatives. The study found that the percentage of accurate results depended on the time patients went to be tested. The majority of false negatives were attributed to the test taking too soon or too late. The researchers found that the probability of a false negative is considerably less than three days after the onset of symptoms.

The study found that the day of the onset of symptoms, "the median false negative rate was 38%." This percentage "decreased to 20% three days after the onset of symptoms." This window between one to three days of symptoms is when you're most likely to receive accurate test results. If you suspect you have contracted Covid-19, but do not have any symptoms, do not rush to get a test immediately.

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The study found that on the day of infection, the likelihood of a false result is about 100%. After four days of infection, the potential for a false negative is still as high as 67%. So be tested before experiencing symptoms (which usually occurs five to seven days after infection) may result in inaccurate results. However, waiting too long to be tested could also lead to a false negative. If you tested one week after you first notice symptoms, the likelihood of a false negative crisis dates back to 66%, according to the study.

For more information on the testing process, checkThe error test major coronavirus CDC can affect you.