what lab tests do you need to fast for
COVID-xix testing has become part of the new normal. Mayhap you lot have symptoms and want to know if it's COVID-nineteen. Or y'all're planning on traveling and need to show negative examination results. Whatever your reason for testing, yous may be wondering about a PCR vs. antigen examination and which blazon is correct for y'all.
Molecular tests, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, are more authentic. Just they usually go through a laboratory, so it takes longer to become your results. Antigen tests (as well called rapid tests) are less accurate, merely y'all can do them at home and go results in about 15 minutes. Read more to decide which type is right for yous.
How Do PCR and Other Molecular Tests Work?
Molecular tests use a laboratory process to await for the genetic material of the virus that causes COVID-19. PCR and other molecular tests can detect even small 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, merely can also employ a throat swab or saliva sample. Afterward your sample is nerveless, information technology'due south sent to a laboratory for processing. It usually takes between i and 7 days to get PCR test results. In that location are also home collection PCR kits y'all can use to send a sample via mail to a laboratory.
Tin Yous Get a Aforementioned-Day PCR Test?
If you want a PCR test only need your results right away, there are same-solar day PCR examination locations that tin can provide results within a few hours. Same-day PCR testing may exist offered past minor diagnostic or urgent care clinics. Yous can search online for aforementioned-solar day PCR testing almost y'all.
Another option is a rapid molecular exam called ID At present. This test is not every bit sensitive equally a laboratory PCR examination, just it's more sensitive than an antigen examination. Certain pharmacies offer this test, and y'all can go your results on site in as little as 15 minutes.
How Practise Antigen Tests Work?
Antigen tests look for viral proteins instead of the genetic cloth of the virus. They tin can't notice very small-scale amounts of virus, so you need a higher amount of the virus in the sample to get a positive result. That ways you're most probable to become an authentic effect when you lot have the most virus in your organization (typically well-nigh a calendar week after symptoms appear).
This as well means that false negative results are more common with antigen tests, especially if y'all're asymptomatic (significant you lot're infected merely don't take any symptoms) or if you take the test when you were recently infected.
Unlike PCR tests, you can do the entire antigen test process by yourself at home. You merely take a olfactory organ or throat swab and use the swab to a cartridge or test strip, similar to a pregnancy test. Results are usually ready in about 15 minutes. That's why these are often called "rapid" tests. Yous can also go 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 y'all're taking information technology. For case, doctors usually use PCR tests to confirm a COVID-19 diagnosis because they're more than accurate. Simply if you're doing routine testing through your schoolhouse or workplace, antigen tests are probably more user-friendly and constructive for quick, regular tests.
If you're planning on traveling, you may exist required to show a negative COVID-19 examination. Depending on where yous're going, there may be requirements for the type of test too as when and where you get it. So make certain you know the rules for the area you're visiting to avoid any filibuster in your plans.
If you're ill and accept symptoms of COVID-nineteen, a bulldoze-thru PCR exam or habitation antigen test may be a good selection so that y'all avoid the risk of exposure to others. Many people also take COVID-19 tests for peace of mind. Whatsoever your reason, it's important to consider the timing. Experts recommend that you wait three to 5 days after a potential exposure to avoid a false negative consequence.
Where Can I Become Tested Near Me? And What About Toll?
Health centers and pharmacy bondage like CVS and Walgreens provide COVID-19 tests for footling or no toll. Testing may as well be covered past your insurance at approved locations like hospitals or doctors' offices. But at-home rapid antigen tests may not be covered. And then if cost is a concern, practise your research and check with your insurance visitor before choosing a test type and location — or observe a free community testing location almost y'all.
And if you have symptoms of COVID-19, talk with your doctor and follow their recommendations for testing and managing your symptoms.
And recall, the best mode to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to become vaccinated. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and how to get them.
Resources Links
- "COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing" via Mayo Clinic
- "Which COVID-19 Exam Should You Use?" via Yale Medicine
- "Coronavirus Disease 2019 Testing Basics" via Nutrient and Drug Administration
- "Five Things to Know Near the Price of COVID-19 Testing and Treatment" via Kaiser Family Foundation
Source: https://www.symptomfind.com/healthy-living/pcr-vs-antigen-test?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740013%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex
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