Testing for COVID holds great value in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. There are two broad classifications of COVID testing:
Antigen Test
Also known as rapid covid testing, this test is aimed at detecting protein fragments that are specific to the Coronavirus. This test is usually carried out in a doctor’s office, clinic, or a hospital. Antigen tests take approximately 15 minutes to convey results.
PCR Test
PCR tests are considered as the benchmark in SARS-CoV-2 detection. A PCR test identifies RNA that is specific to the virus and can find the virus within days of infection. It can also detect the virus in asymptomatic individuals too. Like the antigen test, PCR tests can also be conducted in a hospital, clinic, or through a mobile testing facility. Results from a PCR test can be obtained in 2-3 days. In case of emergencies, they also deliver results in 24 hours.
Who Should Get Rapid Testing?
For patients showing symptoms of COVID-19, rapid tests offer reliable and accurate results. However, in asymptomatic individuals, the result may not always be accurate.
What To Do If There’s a False Positive or Negative?
Among individuals who show no symptoms, the false-negative percentage can be as high as 50%. This can have serious consequences in containing the spread of the virus. However, the false-positive rate is considerably low. This means if a person tests positive from a rapid test, it is highly likely they have the disease.
What If I Have a Negative Rapid Test, But I Have Symptoms?
The general practice and recommendation are to go for a confirmation test (PCR test) if there are still symptoms. This is more important if the individual has had a high-risk exposure. A high-risk exposure is a 15-minute contact with a COVID positive person in 24 hours, with the distance between the person and the COVID patient being less than 6 feet.
