What kinds of tests are there for COVID-19?
In terms of COVID-19 testing, there are two primary types: diagnostic tests and antibody tests. Diagnostic screenings are used to test whether you currently have an active infection. The two main types of diagnostic tests for COVID-19 are: ● PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests: Commonly referred to as the "gold standard" of COVID-19 testing, PCR tests are highly accurate. Results typically take anywhere from 24 hours to a few days. PCR tests are sensitive and can catch even small traces of the virus, which makes them the go-to for international travel and official testing. ● Rapid antigen tests: These are quicker than PCR tests, delivering results in about 15 to 30 minutes, but they’re less sensitive. Antigen tests detect proteins from the virus, which means they’re most effective for confirming active infections in people showing symptoms. However, rapid antigen tests may miss infections in the early or late stages, or in asymptomatic cases. In terms of antibody tests, they aren’t used to diagnose current infections. Instead, they check whether you’ve had COVID-19 in the past by detecting antibodies in your blood. Antibody tests are done through a blood sample and are used to determine if you’ve been exposed to the virus before, but they shouldn’t be used to make decisions about isolation.