Should You Get Tested for Covid-19 Again After You Have Recovered From Your Symptoms?
COVID-19 testing has become part of the new normal. Perhaps you take symptoms and want to know if it'southward COVID-19. Or you're planning on traveling and need to show negative test results. Whatever your reason for testing, you may be wondering about a PCR vs. antigen test and which blazon is right for you lot.
Molecular tests, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, are more accurate. But they commonly go through a laboratory, so it takes longer to go your results. Antigen tests (too called rapid tests) are less accurate, only you can do them at habitation and go results in about 15 minutes. Read more than to decide which type is right for yous.
Molecular tests use a laboratory process to expect for the genetic material of the virus that causes COVID-19. PCR and other molecular tests tin observe even small-scale amounts of the virus, so they accept very few false negative results.
You can become PCR tests at health clinics, pharmacies, and other designated testing locations. They usually involve a nasal swab, but can also use a pharynx swab or saliva sample. Afterward your sample is collected, information technology's sent to a laboratory for processing. It usually takes betwixt one and vii days to get PCR test results. At that place are also home collection PCR kits you tin can employ to send a sample via mail to a laboratory.
Can You Get a Same-Mean solar day PCR Test?
If you want a PCR test but need your results correct away, at that place are same-day PCR test locations that tin provide results within a few hours. Same-day PCR testing may be offered by small diagnostic or urgent intendance clinics. You lot can search online for same-solar day PCR testing about you.
Some other option is a rapid molecular test called ID NOW. This test is not as sensitive as a laboratory PCR test, but it'south more sensitive than an antigen test. Certain pharmacies offer this test, and you can get your results on site in as piffling as 15 minutes.
How Do Antigen Tests Work?
Antigen tests expect for viral proteins instead of the genetic material of the virus. They can't detect very pocket-sized amounts of virus, so you lot need a higher amount of the virus in the sample to get a positive result. That means y'all're most likely to get an accurate consequence when y'all have the most virus in your arrangement (typically about a week afterward symptoms appear).
This also ways that false negative results are more common with antigen tests, especially if you lot're asymptomatic (meaning you're infected but don't have whatever symptoms) or if you take the examination when y'all were recently infected.
Unlike PCR tests, you can exercise the unabridged antigen test process by yourself at habitation. You lot but take a nose or throat swab and apply the swab to a cartridge or exam strip, similar to a pregnancy examination. Results are ordinarily ready in virtually xv minutes. That'south why these are often called "rapid" tests. You can also get rapid antigen tests at doctors' offices and pharmacies.
PCR vs. Antigen Test: Which Should I Choose?
The type of test you lot need depends on the reason yous're taking it. For example, doctors usually use PCR tests to confirm a COVID-xix diagnosis considering they're more authentic. Only if you're doing routine testing through your school or workplace, antigen tests are probably more convenient and effective for quick, regular tests.
If you're planning on traveling, you may be required to bear witness a negative COVID-19 test. Depending on where you're going, in that location may be requirements for the type of test as well equally when and where you go it. Then brand sure y'all know the rules for the area you're visiting to avoid any filibuster in your plans.
If yous're ill and have symptoms of COVID-19, a bulldoze-thru PCR test or home antigen test may exist a good choice so that you lot avoid the risk of exposure to others. Many people also take COVID-19 tests for peace of listen. Whatsoever your reason, it'southward important to consider the timing. Experts recommend that you lot look iii to five days later a potential exposure to avoid a false negative result.
Where Can I Go Tested Near Me? And What Nearly Cost?
Health centers and pharmacy bondage like CVS and Walgreens provide COVID-19 tests for trivial or no toll. Testing may besides be covered by your insurance at canonical locations like hospitals or doctors' offices. Simply at-home rapid antigen tests may non be covered. So if cost is a concern, do your enquiry and check with your insurance company before choosing a exam blazon and location — or find a free community testing location most you.
And if you lot have symptoms of COVID-19, talk with your doctor and follow their recommendations for testing and managing your symptoms.
And remember, the all-time way to protect yourself and others from COVID-nineteen is to get vaccinated. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and how to get them.
Resource Links
- "COVID-xix Diagnostic Testing" via Mayo Clinic
- "Which COVID-nineteen Test Should You lot Use?" via Yale Medicine
- "Coronavirus Affliction 2019 Testing Basics" via Nutrient and Drug Administration
- "Five Things to Know About the Cost of COVID-19 Testing and Treatment" via Kaiser Family Foundation
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Source: https://www.symptomfind.com/procedures-and-tests/pcr-vs-antigen-test?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740013%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex
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