The sensitivity of a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for COVID-19 is highest when the virus is actively replicating. As such, it is most effective when the infection is caught early on or is acutely progressing. With this in mind, if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, do not hesitate to contact your local healthcare provider or us at Eastside Urgent Care to get tested. The RDT, or antigen test, detects the presence of viral proteins in a respiratory tract sample of mucus from the back of the patient’s throat. This swab is then dipped into a liquid that dissolves the mucus and leaves behind or releases the virus. Then, the liquid is applied to a paper strip that is coated with antibodies. If the patient is infected, there will be a visible reaction in which the viral proteins will bind to the antibodies on the paper strip. Results often appear within 30 minutes. Antigen tests are more likely to produce false positives than they are to produce false negatives. Thus, if you have a negative result, you should feel at ease!