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A woman gets a COVID-19 from a healthcare worker. Photo Courtesy: PAUL Religion/AFP/Getty Images

COVID-19 testing has become function of the new normal. Maybe you accept symptoms and want to know if it'south COVID-xix. Or yous're planning on traveling and need to show negative test results. Whatever your reason for testing, you may be wondering about a PCR vs. antigen exam and which blazon is right for you.

Molecular tests, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, are more accurate. Simply they usually go through a laboratory, then it takes longer to get your results. Antigen tests (also chosen rapid tests) are less accurate, but yous tin can do them at dwelling house and get results in nearly fifteen minutes. Read more than to decide which type is right for yous.

How Do PCR and Other Molecular Tests Work?

Molecular tests utilise a laboratory process to look for the genetic cloth of the virus that causes COVID-19. PCR and other molecular tests tin find even small amounts of the virus, so they accept very few false negative results.

You can get PCR tests at wellness clinics, pharmacies, and other designated testing locations. They commonly involve a nasal swab, but can too use a throat swab or saliva sample. After your sample is nerveless, information technology'south sent to a laboratory for processing. It usually takes between ane and 7 days to get PCR test results. There are also dwelling house collection PCR kits you can use to transport a sample via mail to a laboratory.

Can You Get a Same-Day PCR Test?

If you want a PCR test simply need your results right away, at that place are same-day PCR exam locations that tin provide results within a few hours. Same-day PCR testing may be offered past small-scale diagnostic or urgent intendance clinics. You can search online for same-day PCR testing near yous.

Some other option is a rapid molecular test called ID NOW. This examination is non as sensitive as a laboratory PCR test, but it'due south more sensitive than an antigen test. Certain pharmacies offering this test, and y'all tin can get your results on site in equally little as xv minutes.

How Do Antigen Tests Work?

Antigen tests wait for viral proteins instead of the genetic cloth of the virus. They tin can't detect very small amounts of virus, then yous demand a higher amount of the virus in the sample to become a positive result. That means y'all're most likely to get an accurate effect when yous accept the most virus in your system (typically about a week after symptoms appear).

This besides means that false negative results are more mutual with antigen tests, especially if you're asymptomatic (pregnant y'all're infected but don't have whatsoever symptoms) or if yous take the test when you lot were recently infected.

Different PCR tests, you tin can do the entire antigen examination procedure by yourself at home. You simply have a olfactory organ or throat swab and apply the swab to a cartridge or examination strip, similar to a pregnancy test. Results are usually ready in almost 15 minutes. That's why these are oft called "rapid" tests. You can as well become rapid antigen tests at doctors' offices and pharmacies.

PCR vs. Antigen Examination: Which Should I Choose?

The type of exam you demand depends on the reason you're taking it. For case, doctors usually utilize PCR tests to confirm a COVID-19 diagnosis considering they're more authentic. Just if you're doing routine testing through your school or workplace, antigen tests are probably more convenient and effective for quick, regular tests.

If you're planning on traveling, you may be required to show a negative COVID-19 test. Depending on where you're going, at that place may be requirements for the type of test likewise as when and where you go it. And then make sure you lot know the rules for the area y'all're visiting to avert any filibuster in your plans.

If you're sick and take symptoms of COVID-19, a drive-thru PCR test or dwelling house antigen test may be a good choice so that you avert the risk of exposure to others. Many people as well take COVID-19 tests for peace of mind. Whatever your reason, it's of import to consider the timing. Experts recommend that yous wait three to five days later a potential exposure to avoid a false negative upshot.

Where Tin can I Become Tested Near Me? And What About Cost?

Health centers and pharmacy chains similar CVS and Walgreens provide COVID-19 tests for little or no cost. Testing may likewise be covered by your insurance at approved locations like hospitals or doctors' offices. Merely at-home rapid antigen tests may non be covered. Then if cost is a concern, practice your research and check with your insurance visitor before choosing a examination type and location — or find a free community testing location near you.

And if you have symptoms of COVID-nineteen, talk with your doctor and follow their recommendations for testing and managing your symptoms.

And remember, the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to go vaccinated. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and how to get them.

Resource Links

"COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing" via Mayo Clinic
"Which COVID-19 Test Should You Utilise?" via Yale Medicine
"Coronavirus Disease 2019 Testing Basics" via Nutrient and Drug Administration
"Five Things to Know Most the Cost of COVID-19 Testing and Handling" via Kaiser Family Foundation