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Viral tests, including nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and PCR tests, as well as antigen tests, are used as diagnostic tests to detect current infection with SARS-CoV-2, determine the need for prevention measures, and inform a person's medical care.
Aug 24, 2024 · COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others. Types of tests.
- What's The Difference Between The PCR and Antigen Tests For Covid-19?
- Which Covid Test Is More accurate?
- How Do I Find Out Where to Get Tested For Covid-19?
There are two types of tests for COVID-19: the PCR test and the antigen test. 1. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This tests for the presence of the actual virus’s genetic material or its fragments as it breaks down. PCR is the most reliable and accurate test for detecting active infection. PCR tests typically take hours to perform, but some are fa...
The antigen test is typically faster but is less sensitive than the PCR test. Because the antigen test is not as accurate as PCR, if an antigen test is negative, your healthcare provider could request a PCR test to confirm the negative antigen test result.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or were exposed to people who have symptoms or have tested positive, you may want a test. First, talk with your healthcare provider. They will review your symptoms in person or on a video appointment. If needed, the provider orders a test and helps you find a testing location and time. Keep in mind that if you’ve be...
Jun 24, 2024 · Anyone with even mild symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should receive a viral test for SARS-CoV-2 as soon as possible. Asymptomatic patients with close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection should have a series of three viral tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Jul 18, 2024 · COVID-19 diagnostic testing shows current infection with the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the following types of tests for diagnosing COVID-19. Molecular tests. These tests look for genetic material from the COVID-19 virus.
Dec 22, 2021 · Depending on the lab your provider uses, you can expect to receive your results within 24–72 hours. The PCR test is the gold standard when it comes to COVID-19 testing. At-home types of tests. At-home nasal swab with lab-based PCR test.
Nov 2, 2020 · What they have in common: Both are collected by throat, nasal swabs, and, in some cases, saliva/drool. Both issue a positive or negative result. While these tests tell you that the virus is present, they can’t tell you how “serious” a course of illness you might have.
