Question: What is the best way to conduct a point of care test if I don't have access to a lab?

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Test for Current Infection
section_headers: How to get a viral test
section_content: COVID-19 testing differs by location. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and
want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first. You can also visit
your
state
or local health
department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.
Although supplies of tests are increasing, it may still be difficult to find
a place to get tested.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized two viral tests
that let you collect either a nasal swab or a saliva
sample at home. However, you will still need to send your sample to a
laboratory for analysis.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Clearly states that two at-home tests are available and links to information about how to use the tests.
This answer provides guidance for individuals to get testing who believe they may have COVID-19 not to actual health workers themselves for what to do if they do not have access to a lab for test results.

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Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions about Biosafety and COVID-19
section_headers: Specimen Handling
How should point-of-care testing (POCT) be conducted outside a traditional laboratory?
section_content: For viral testing of specimens conducted outside of a traditional clinical
laboratory, such as rapid respiratory testing, use Standard Precautions to
provide a barrier between the specimen and personnel during specimen
manipulation.
For additional information, refer to:

Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)


Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Not only is the answer being given immediately but there is also a link to give even more in depth instructions for handling specimens outside of a laboratory.
Provides general advice about handling specimens outside a lab and links to detailed advice about lab biosafety.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Acceptable

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions about Laboratory Testing and COVID-19
section_headers: For All Laboratories: Accessing Laboratory Testing
Can a pooling strategy be used to expand nucleic acid testing for SARS-CoV-2?
section_content: In areas with low COVID-19 prevalence, a two-stage specimen pooling approach
can help preserve testing reagents and resources. In the first stage, several
patients’ specimens are combined before extraction, and then tested all at
once. If the test comes back negative, then all of those patients can be
cleared with one test. If the test comes back positive, then all of those
specimens need to be extracted and re-tested individually.
The lower the prevalence of the disease, the larger the optimal pool size can
be. A recent studyexternal
icon from the
Nebraska Public Health Laboratory found that polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
tests for SARS-CoV-2 reliably return a positive result when one positive
sample is mixed with four negatives. Researchers in Germany and Israel have
had similar results.
A pooling strategy is not efficient when the prevalence of COVID-19 is
high. People with symptoms and people who have been exposed to someone with a
confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection should still be tested individually.
Before using a pooling strategy, the laboratory must have the proper
regulatory approvals. If the manufacturer’s guidelines and the emergency use
authorization (EUA) for that SARS-CoV-2 test do not stipulate pooling,
laboratories that use authorized nucleic acid devices can still bridge to
alternative components, including extraction methods, PCR instruments,
software versions, etc., under Section IV. A. 4. of FDA’s Policy for COVID-19
Tests During the Public Health Emergencyexternal
icon. These component changes can be achieved through evaluation
and verification of the performance of the component with the test, without a
new EUA or an amendment to the original EUA. Additional detail and suggested
studies are discussed in FDA’s policy. The process used for such changes must
also comply with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
(CLIA) guidelines.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Talks about pooled testing, and never addresses main question about testing outside a lab.
The answer relates to testing being done specifically in a laboratory when the question is in regards for what to do when there is no access to a laboratory.

Reviewer ratings:
Bad
Bad