Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1. Antigen test (frequently referred to as a rapid test). This test detects protein fragments
specific to the Coronavirus. It can be done in a clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital.
Turnaround time for results is usually very quick and in some cases, results can be
reported within 15 minutes.
2. PCR test. PCR testing is considered the “gold standard” in SARS-CoV-2 detection. This
test actually detects RNA (or genetic material) that is specific to the virus and can detect
the virus within days of infection, even those who have no symptoms. The test can be
done in a clinic, hospital, or even in your car. Turnaround time is longer, generally in the
2-3 day range but results can be in as little as 24 hours. When demand is high, results can
take a week or longer.
Rapid tests are considered most accurate in a patient who is having symptoms of COVID-19. While
the rapid test can get you results very quickly, the results may not always be accurate.
In those who don’t have symptoms, the false-negative rate — meaning my test is negative but I
actually have the disease — can be as high as 50%. This can have tremendous consequences as we
try to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The false-positive rate — meaning I test positive but I do not really have the disease — is quite low.
So, if you test positive from a rapid test it is more likely you do have the disease.
Current recommendation is to have a confirmation test performed (the PCR test) if you still have
symptoms and have had a negative rapid test. This is especially true if you’ve had a high-risk
exposure. A high risk exposure is considered more than 15 minutes of contact with a COVID-positive
individual in a 24-hour period and you have been within 6 feet of this individual.
As always, if you are not sure what COVID-19 test is right for you, please talk with your healthcare
provider.