The Ellume kit is one of several home self-administered rapid coronavirus tests on the market.

This photo from Ellume shows his family's self-administered rapid coronavirus test.

In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine booster, many Bay Area health experts said that they are relying on another tool to help reduce the risk of pandemic this holiday season-rapid coronavirus detection at home.

Infectious disease expert Dr. Peter Chin-Hong said that although the rapid antigen test is not as sensitive as the PCR test you perform in a doctor’s office or an official testing site, it is a good way to determine whether you are infected with the virus, explained at the University of California, San Francisco.

He and his family plan to conduct a quick test before the party this winter as an additional insurance to protect more vulnerable family members.

"Quick test is a good screening test that gives you the confidence that you will not bring it to older or frail relatives that day," he said.

This is what you need to know.

So far, the FDA has approved 13 different home rapid antigen tests. In the Bay Area, common brands include BinaxNow, Ellume and FlowFlex.

The quick test kit is usually about US$25 per box, but the price may be between US$10 and US$40.

Where can I get one?

Although it is difficult to conduct a quick test in late summer and early autumn, it is now available at many Bay Area pharmacies. Not all stores have stock, but you can usually find some after a quick trip or calling a few different places.

Nevertheless, stores usually limit the purchase of over-the-counter kits to two per customer.

You can also purchase tests online, but be sure to check whether they are on the FDA's approved list. Although they may not arrive here in time before Thanksgiving, you can buy some to get ready for the holiday.

COVID-19 Map: Trending data for the Bay Area and the entire state of California

Latest news: full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic

what should I do?

Usually, the test involves wiping the inside of the nostril and putting a few drops of chemical on the swab. From there, the result takes about 15 minutes.

The steps may be different for each version, and the toolkit usually comes with detailed instructions. It is important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure accuracy.

Chin-Hong said that the best time for a quick test is before gatherings with family or friends in the morning. In this way, you can be sure that you will not bring the virus to your relatives that day.

Danielle Echeverria is a contributing writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Email: danielle.echeverria@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DanielleEchev

Danielle Echeverria is a reporter for The Chronicle’s Engagement and Breaking News team. She recently completed a master's degree in journalism at Stanford University, where she won the Nicholas Roosevelt Environmental Journalism Award for reporting on agriculture, climate change, and worker safety. She previously worked as an intern at The Chronicle's Business and Big Local News, focusing on data journalism. She is from Bakersfield, California.