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Jan 7, 2022 · Deb Balzer. January 7, 2022. There are various types of COVID-19 tests that people may choose from to find out if they are infected with the virus. Dr. Matthew Binnicker and the team at Mayo Clinic Laboratories put together a chart to help break down the different types of COVID-19 tests and when to use them.
COVID-19 Positive (SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detected) Test Result. If your COVID-19 test was positive, this means that the test did detect the presence of COVID-19 in your nasal secretions. This result would suggest that you are currently infected with COVID-19.
- Molecular Tests
- Antigen Tests
- Antibody Tests
Molecular tests go by several other names such as nucleic acid amplification (NAATs) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. They detect the DNA of the virus that causes COVID-19 to see if you’re currently infected. When taken within 5 days of the onset of your symptoms, they correctly identify a positive test more than 90 percentTrusted Sourceo...
Antigen tests, also called serological tests, attempt to detect certain proteins on the surface of the virus. Compared to the PCR tests, they come with an increased risk of a false-negative, meaning that you may have the virus in your body, but your test shows that you don’t. Your test is most likely to report a false-negative if the virus is prese...
Antibody tests search for a previous infection. They can’t be used to diagnose a current infection because it can take 1 to 3 weeksTrusted Sourceafter an infection develops for your body to make antibodies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Generally, the test is done by pricking one of your fingers and collecting a...
- Daniel Yetman
Mar 18, 2024 · Positive viral test results indicate current, or sometimes recent, infection and the person with COVID-19 should follow CDC recommendations for isolation. Negative viral test results mean the test did not detect the virus, but this doesn’t rule out that you could have an infection.
Your COVID-19 diagnostic test result could be positive or negative. Positive result. This means you currently have an active infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. Take appropriate steps to care for yourself. Avoid spreading the virus to others. You'll need to isolate for at least five days.
Sep 29, 2023 · A negative result using at-home COVID-19 antigen test means the test did not detect the virus that causes COVID-19, but it does not rule out COVID-19 because some tests may not detect...
Jan 11, 2022 · How long do COVID test results take? Laboratory analysis of viral tests (sometimes called PCR tests) can take a day or more. Rapid test results are available in about 15 minutes. Antibody test results may take a day or longer to obtain.
