Do prescribers need to administer a COVID-19 test before considering a Paxlovid prescription?

No. There are many rapid antigen tests authorized for home use. Patients in the authorized population who are symptomatic and report a positive home test result from a rapid antigen diagnostic test or a PCR test are eligible for Paxlovid under the EUA if they meet other criteria assessed by an authorized prescriber. Confirmation of a positive home rapid antigen diagnostic test with additional direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing, such as a PCR, is not required. Serologic tests are not considered to be direct SARS-CoV-2 viral tests.