Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • Amoxicillin and Warfarin: Interaction Risks, Monitoring & Best Practices
    • Benzonatate and Steroids: What You Need to Know
    • The Truth About Trintellix: Benefits, Side Effects, and Patient Guide
    • Top Qualities of a Great Dental Facility in Airdrie: Equipment, Care & Convenience
    • Learn How To File a Class Action Lawsuit
    • Write for Us on Health, Wellness, Dental & Fitness Topics
    • Frisco Home Water Filtration: Health, Taste & Protection Guide
    • Rigicon’s Infla10™ & Rigi10™: Game-Changing Penile Implants for Men with ED
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    HealthsootheHealthsoothe
    • Home
    • Healthy
    • Dental Care
    • Skin Care
    • Discover
      • Fitness
      • Women hygiene
      • Tragedy Stories
      • Recipes
    • Health Tools
      • Body Tat Calc
      • CALC Diet Calorie
      • Ideal Body Weight Calc
      • Burned Calories Calc
      • View All
    • Connect
      • About
      • Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosure
      • Contact us
    HealthsootheHealthsoothe
    WELLNESS HEALTH

    COVID-19 Testing Types: PCR, Antigen, Antibody

    By Isreal Olabanji DST RNUpdated:July 4, 2024
    Doing Your Part During Covid-19
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
    Advertisement
    0
    (0)

    COVID-19 has significantly impacted the world, and testing has been crucial in controlling its spread. Various types of COVID-19 tests have been developed to detect the virus and determine its prevalence. Understanding the different kinds of COVID-19 tests and their characteristics is essential in making informed decisions about testing. This article breaks down the three most common types of COVID-19 tests: PCR, antigen, and antibody tests, that you should know about before finding a location for Covid testing near me.

    Table of contents
    1. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test
    2. Characteristics of PCR Test
    3. Antigen Test
    4. Characteristics of Antigen Test
    5. Antibody Test
    6. Characteristics of Antibody Test
    7. Related posts: Epithelial Cells in Urine | Types, Causes, Testing/Results, and Treatments/Prevention Seven Benefits of Trying a DNA Testing Kit Ultrasound Testing: How It Benefits Your Health How Independent Third-party CBD Testing Works

    PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test

    The PCR test is widely regarded as the most reliable and accurate diagnostic tool for detecting COVID-19. It is, therefore, often considered the benchmark or standard against which other testing methods are compared. It is a molecular test that detects the genetic material (RNA) from the virus that causes COVID-19. The test involves taking a nasal or throat swab, and the sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results can be obtained within 24-72 hours, depending on the testing facility’s capacity.

    Advertisement/Sexual content

    Characteristics of PCR Test

    The PCR test is highly accurate, with a sensitivity of up to 98%. It can detect the virus even if the person is not yet showing symptoms. However, it may produce false negatives if the sample is not collected correctly or the viral load is too low.

    PCR testing is most commonly used for diagnosing COVID-19 in symptomatic individuals who have had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or is traveling to specific destinations that require a negative test result. It is also used in contact tracing efforts to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.

    Antigen Test

    Antigen testing is a rapid diagnostic test that detects specific proteins (antigens) on the virus’s surface. Like the PCR test, a nasal or throat swab is taken, and the sample is analyzed on-site. Results can be obtained within 15-30 minutes.

    Characteristics of Antigen Test

    Antigen testing is less accurate than PCR testing, with a 50-80% sensitivity. It may produce false negatives, particularly in asymptomatic individuals with a low viral load. However, antigen testing is a helpful tool for quickly identifying individuals who are infectious and may spread the virus to others.

    Antigen testing helps in point-of-care settings, such as clinics, nursing homes, and schools, where quick results are needed. It is applicable in mass testing efforts to screen large populations for COVID-19.

    Antibody Test

    Antibody testing, also known as serology testing, detects the presence of antibodies in the blood produced by the immune system in response to an infection. It is a blood test done in a laboratory setting.

    Characteristics of Antibody Test

    Healthcare professionals do not use antibody testing to diagnose current COVID-19 infections; instead, they utilize it to identify whether a person has previously been infected with the virus. It can take several days or weeks after infection for the body to produce antibodies, so antibody testing is not helpful for the early detection of COVID-19.

    Antibody testing is most commonly used for population-level studies to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 in a particular area or population. It can recognize individuals who may have been infected with COVID-19 but did not show symptoms.

    You should know about these tests before finding a location for Covid testing near me. Understanding the differences and characteristics of each COVID-19 testing type can help individuals and healthcare professionals make informed decisions and ultimately help reduce its impact on individuals and society.

     

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate it!

    Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

    No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

    As you found this post useful...

    Follow us on social media!

    We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

    Let us improve this post!

    Tell us how we can improve this post?

    Related posts:
    1. Epithelial Cells in Urine | Types, Causes, Testing/Results, and Treatments/Prevention
    2. Seven Benefits of Trying a DNA Testing Kit
    3. Ultrasound Testing: How It Benefits Your Health
    4. How Independent Third-party CBD Testing Works

    Follow on Google News Follow on Flipboard
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleCalculateur de l’indice de masse grasse
    Next Article Understanding the Various Types of Personal Injury Cases Handled by Chicago Law Firms
    Isreal Olabanji DST RN
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Isreal olabanji a dental assistant and public health professionals and has years of experience in assisting the dentist with all sorts of dental issues.We regularly post timely and trustworthy medical information and news on Fitness, Dental care, Recipes, Child health, obstetrics, and more.

    Related Posts

    How Does Amoxicillin Interact With Warfarin_

    Amoxicillin and Warfarin: Interaction Risks, Monitoring & Best Practices

    July 10, 2025
    Does Benzonatate Have Steroids

    Benzonatate and Steroids: What You Need to Know

    July 10, 2025
    The Truth About Trintellix

    The Truth About Trintellix: Benefits, Side Effects, and Patient Guide

    July 10, 2025
    Leave A Reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Site Statistics
    • Today's visitors: 725
    • Today's page views: : 794
    • Total visitors : 14,202
    • Total page views: 20,677
    Popular Posts
    6 Foods That Will Make You Taste Sweeter Down There

    6 Foods That Will Make You Taste Sweeter Down There

    Dental Instruments And Their Uses

    Dental Instruments And Their Uses

    Wellbutrin-Zoloft

    What Are The Benefits Of Combining Wellbutrin And Zoloft? (Detailed Guide)

    Why Take Flomax At Bedtime? (Explained)

    Why Take Flomax At Bedtime? (Explained)

    Categories
    About
    Healthsoothe provide you with real evidence-based, authoritative health care information, Credible facts, experiences, and expert opinions with citations to reputable references.                                
    Contact Us
    For more queries and news contact us on this Email: contact@healthsoothe.com,                              Call Me At: +44 7700 306246,                                      
    Healthsoothe International
    • Healthsoothe.ng
    • Healthsoothe.in
    • Healthsoothe.ke
    Caregivers Healthy Aging

    Mobility and Independence: Essential Tips for Active Ageing

    Embracing the Future: How Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are Transforming Elderly Care

    Angel Care Inc: Your Trusted Partner for Home Care Services

    Health Calculator

    BMI Calculation: Spatz Benefits

    Circumference Body fat calculator

    Proportionality of Body Calculator

    Oral care

    Top Qualities of a Great Dental Facility in Airdrie: Equipment, Care & Convenience

    Write for Us on Health, Wellness, Dental & Fitness Topics

    ClearChoice Locations Near You: Convenient and High-Quality Dental Implants

    Healthy Recipes

    20+ Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Alligator Pepper

    Step Into a Healthier Future: Best Game-Changing Diet Plans in 2024

    Tiffany Magee Weight Loss: Exploring The Viral TikTok Sensation

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
    • HealthSoothe Media Kit
    • Privacy & Affiliate Disclosure
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Residents of California Right
    • Our Editorial Team
    • Healthsoothe Newsletter
    • Contact us : Our Company
    © 2025 Healthsoothe. Designed by Healthsoothe.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Ad Blocker Enabled!
    Ad Blocker Enabled!
    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker and Reload the Page.