The health of everyone in the community is at risk when there is a virus as pervasive as COVID-19 in circulation. The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test provides the most accurate and reliable means for detecting and diagnosing the virus.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, or suspect that you’ve come in contact with someone who may have an active infection, the COVID-19 RT-PCR test will give you the most definitive result.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is a technique used to “amplify” small segments of DNA in order to facilitate the detection of various infectious diseases.

The variety of applications for PCR testing are only growing. In fact, DNA produced by PCR was used in mapping techniques in the Human Genome Project.

PCR is also used in applications as varied as DNA fingerprinting, the detection of bacteria or viruses, as well as genetic disorders.

What is the difference between PCR nasal swab and the COVID-19 antigen test?

The PCR Test

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test finds genetic material from organisms like viruses. If you’re showing symptoms of the Coronavirus, a PCR test will detect the virus if you’re infected at the time of the test.

This test allows our technicians at whatever clinic you’ve been tested at to more accurately determine whether you’re positive or negative for COVID-19.

The Antigen Test

The difference between antigen testing and PCR testing comes down to speed. This method is a quick way to check for COVID-19. The technique used in antigen tests can quickly determine positive or negative results but is generally considered not to be as accurate as the PCR Test.

This type of test detects the presence of the Coronavirus when a sample is taken within a few days of the start of symptoms of the disease. If your rapid test result comes back positive, your healthcare provider may contact you to schedule a PCR test.

As these tests are not as accurate, the lab may wish to rule out the possibility that your test results produced a false positive.

The Antibody Test

While the above two tests are considered diagnostic tests, the antibody test doesn’t test for an active infection. Instead, this test will search your system for the presence of antibodies that relate to the Coronavirus disease.

Here the lab will be testing to see if you possess antibodies that are produced if you’ve been exposed to the COVID-19 infection. You may not even be aware that you’ve been in contact with the virus (especially if you’ve not shown any symptoms).

But if you have, a laboratory will be able to take a blood sample and see if you have the antibody that’s produced when you’ve had the SARS-COV-2 virus in your system.

Yes. Health and medical professionals rely on this as the most up-to-date and reliable method for detecting the COVID-19 viruses.

The test results from a RT-PCR test have been called by most professionals the “gold standard” test for diagnosing people who may be infected with SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19.