Both the PCR and the rapid Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 tests can detect SARS-CoV2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) by amplifying the genetic code at a higher sensitivity than antigen tests. Although both are nucleic acid amplification tests (“NAAT”) , the difference between PCR and Abbott ID NOW is how the amplification is achieved. PCR is a technology that uses temperature cycling to create high-fidelity copies of the genetic targets. This is the gold standard method of amplifying genetic code, but takes longer than other tests. In contrast, isothermal molecular amplification tests (“IMAT”), such as Abbott's ID NOW, can accomplish a similar outcome at a single temperature. Without the need to wait for temperature changes, this method runs slightly faster.