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COVID-19 Testing

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COVID-19 Testing

About Testing:

A PCR test looks for the viral RNA in the nose, throat, or other areas in the respiratory tract to determine if there is an active infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. A positive PCR test means that the person has an active COVID-19 infection.

Rapid Antigen tests are immunoassays that detect the presence of a specific viral antigen, which implies current viral infection. The currently authorized devices return results in approximately 15 minutes. Antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 are generally less sensitive than viral tests that detect nucleic acid using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

A Serology test looks for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the blood to determine if there has been an infection in the past. Antibodies are formed by the body to fight off infections. A positive antibody test means that the person was infected with COVID-19 in the past or recently, and that their immune system developed antibodies to try to fight it off.