Clearing Up Confusion about Types of COVID-19 Testing

06 Oct

06Oct

The Different Types Of Covid-19 Testing: What Are The Misconceptions?

Health Services began offering COVID-19 testing at no cost to county residents in April 2020. This was done at various locations throughout the county, on a weekly basis. There are many options for the rt pcr test, and it is easy to get confused. Two types of tests can be used to test for COVID-19: diagnostic tests and antibodies tests. A viral test can detect a current infection, but an antibody test might not.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

If you are diagnosed with coronavirus infection, you may need to have a diagnostic test. This will determine whether you should quarantine yourself or isolate yourself from other people. There are two types of diagnostic tests currently available: antigen and molecular tests. Both tests are available at no cost in all hospitals across the country.

Both chemical and molecular tests

Molecular tests such as real-time polymerase chains reaction (RTPCR) are used to determine the virus' genetic material. PCR tests are the best and most reliable method to detect coronavirus infection. It is very accurate and does not require frequent testing.

A swab taken from the back part of the throat is used for most PCR tests. This goes deep into the nose and down to your throat.
Results can take up to one week to be returned, depending on how many tests were performed.
A molecular test may be required if you are travelling outside the country or for any other reason.

Antigen tests

Antigen tests are used to test for specific proteins in the virus. They can be performed on samples. Most antigen tests can be performed with a nasopharyngeal or nasal swab. Results may take between 15 and 30 minutes depending on what test was performed. Antigen tests are highly in demand by the general public.

Antigen tests are most effective when used in the first 5-12 days after symptom onset.
Although positive results are usually very accurate, it is possible for false positives to occur. A molecular test may be necessary to confirm negative results in certain cases. Antigen tests that are used to confirm a COVID-19 infection may be more accurate than molecular tests.
A PCR test should be performed if an antigen test results are negative, but you have symptoms or are exposed to COVID-19.
Hospitals may conduct a rapid test before an outpatient procedure. Then, they validate the results with a PCR test to ensure accuracy.

Antibody Tests

Antibody tests test your blood for antibodies. This may help determine if you have ever been infected with COVID-19. A drop of blood may suffice for most tests. However, some tests require blood to be drawn for specific purposes. OneBlood tests all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Although antibody tests can give quick results, they are not the most accurate way to diagnose someone with an active infection. Sometimes it can take several days or even weeks to produce enough antibodies for a test to identify the patient. No matter if you are positive or negative for COVID-19, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself and others. It is impossible to predict how much protection the antibodies to the virus will offer against infection again. Therefore, you need to continue taking steps to keep yourself and others safe.

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