May 9th 2020
COVID-19 Testing: Which Test for What?
A COVID-19 antibody testing center is seen at Steve's 9th Street Market in Brooklyn on April 25. NPR
Many people are unaware of the pros and cons that come with each new COVID-19 test that emerges into the market. This NPR article maps out the three general different types of tests, how they work, what they do, how fast the results are generated and how accurate they are. Because there are so many COVID-19 tests currently on the market but not FDA approved, it is important to stay informed on which test serves what purpose.
A Diagnostic/PCR Test identifies patients who currently have COVID-19 and is widely considered to be the most accurate test on the market. However, because it may take a couple days for the virus to start replicating in the throat, if someone has been recently infected, there is a chance that it would go undetected.
An Antibody Test is for people who have been previously infected with coronavirus, but they cannot determine if someone is currently infected. Generally speaking, these tests are not as accurate as a Diagnostic/PCR Test.
An Antigen Test, like a Diagnostic/PCR Test, identifies patients who currently have COVID-19 and is a quick way to detect active infections. Antigen tests are not as accurate as Diagnostic/PCR tests, but they are frequently used to screen patients.