COVID-19 Tests: Everything You Need to Know

Updated: 10/9/2020

As our communities continue to return to school, work and regular activities, we’re relying more on COVID-19 testing to help us keep risk at minimal levels.

In addition to PCR and antibody tests, “rapid tests” (also known as antigen tests) are now available at various places, from your doctor’s office to major retailers. It’s really confusing to understand if you should get tested, and what test you should get. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

What types of COVID-19 tests are available?

The three kinds of tests available for COVID-19 are antigen tests, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and antibody tests.

• An antigen test uses a swab of the nose or throat to collect a mucus sample. The sample is then tested on the spot to rapidly determine the presence of specific proteins that appear in individuals who are at the peak of infection, when COVID-19 presence in their body is the highest. Test results are usually available in a few minutes. However, it’s important to know that false negatives are more common with rapid antigen tests than with other tests, especially in people with no symptoms. In fact, if you don’t have symptoms, an antigen test probably isn’t right for you.
• A PCR test uses a swab of the nose or throat to see if someone has an active COVID-19 infection. PCR tests are typically sent to a lab and can take a few days for results. Rapid PCR tests also exist, however, there is limited availability and they are typically used by hospitals in emergent situations.
• An antibody test is a blood test to see if you had the virus at some point in the past, and have recovered by building up antibodies to fight the infection. Depending on the type of antibody test you’re getting, it will either be taken by blood draw or finger prick.