There are a few types of tests that can be conducted for a COVID-19 test. There is a test for a current infection and past infection. A viral test can tell you if you have a current infection. Two types of viral tests you can get done are nucleic acid amplification tests and antigen tests. And finally, an antibody test, which tells you if you had a past infection from COVID-19. Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose a current infection. The types of ways a sample can be collected when conducting a COVID-19 test are: 1. Swab samples Use a swab to collect a sample from the nose or throat. This type of sample includes: Nasal – take a sample from just inside the nostrils Mid-turbinate – takes a sample from further up inside the nose Nasopharyngeal – takes a sample from deep inside the nose, reaching the very back of the throat Oropharyngeal – take a sample from the middle part of the throat 2. Saliva Samples Saliva samples are collected by having the patient spit into a tube rather than using a nose or throat swab.