The Different Types of COVID Tests
Written by Leslie K. Hughes
COVID-19 is an illness caused by the coronavirus. Though most cases of this illness are mild or moderate, there is a chance that the illness could be severe.
To lower the risk of contracting COVID-19, it is important to get tested for the virus regularly. This is especially true if you plan on traveling or if you plan to be around a group of people.
A few different tests exist today that can detect the COVID-19 virus. Some of the tests determine whether you currently have the virus, while others determine whether you had the virus at some point in the past.
By practicing the highest levels of safety with COVID-19 and getting tested regularly, you can help slow the spread of the virus.
Read on to learn about each type of COVID test including how they’re done, how long results take, and how accurate each is.
Diagnostic tests
One category of COVID-19 tests is diagnostic tests. This type shows if you have a currently active infection of the coronavirus.
There are 2 different categories of COVID tests: molecular and antigen.
Molecular test (RT-PCR)
The COVID-19 molecular test is more commonly known as the RT-PCR test, which stands for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test. It determines whether you currently have the virus.
The samples for this test are collected using either a nasal or a throat swab. Another way to get the samples for a PCR test is via a saliva sample.
The RT-PCR is the most common type of COVID-19 test and is likely what most people refer to when they talk about COVID-19 tests.
This test is the most popular because it is the most reliable. Studies show that a PCR test is 95% accurate in diagnosing COVID-19.
And the results don’t take long to get those accurate results. You can expect your PCR test results to take anywhere between 15 minutes to 3 days, depending on whether they were sent to a lab and how long it takes the lab to get the results.
It is always best to quarantine until you have gotten your test results, just to be safe.
The key to this test is the timing. If you believe you were exposed to COVID-19, wait around 5 days to get tested.
Why?
Because it can take that long for the virus to show up.
The timing of your test is crucial. If you’re tested too early or too late, you won’t have enough viral material in the areas that get swabbed.
So, the best time to get a PCR test for COVID-19 is when you start to experience symptoms.
Antigen test (rapid)
Just like the PCR test, the rapid antigen test determines if you currently have COVID-19.
This type of test is performed with a nasal swab, and the results show whether antigens are present in your body. If antigens exist in the sample, then the test result is positive.
The antigen test is a popular choice as well because it produces quick results (hence its nickname, rapid). Oftentimes you can get results from this test in 15-30 minutes. However, the accuracy of this test is not as high as the PCR test.
Studies show that you can expect around a 72% chance of accurate results with a positive rapid test and about a 58% chance of accurate results with a negative rapid test.
Similar to the molecular tests, false negatives with rapid tests can also happen if you take the test too soon after exposure to the virus.
We recommend that, if possible, you get both an antigen (rapid) and a molecular (PCR) test to be safe.
Antibody tests
If you are curious whether you’ve unknowingly contracted COVID-19 in the past, take an antibody test.
It is important to note that this test cannot determine whether you are currently infected with the virus; it can only detect whether you’ve had COVID-19 previously.
Why?
Because antibodies do not show up in your system for 1 to 3 weeks after your body becomes infected with the virus.
What are antibodies?
Antibodies are proteins that your body creates in order to protect your body from infection. When tested for antibodies, you can expect to get results in 1-3 days, depending upon the speed of the lab that your test is sent to.
The accuracy of the antibody test increases the more time that passes after you contracted the virus. According to studies, the highest level of accuracy with an antibody test (90%) is achieved 3 weeks after the first signs of COVID-19 symptoms.
Where to get tested
Molecular and antibody tests are available at most hospitals, urgent care centers, pharmacies, and health clinics, but for the best experience, get your testing done at the Sameday Health location near you.
Our testing is quick, easy, and reliable.
