"Whether you have symptoms or not, a PCR test is always the most accurate and sensitive way of detecting the virus. Which out of the two is right for you? It depends, and the answer may be both of them. Rapid antigen test – you collect a sample at home, test it using the supplied kit materials and get your result in minutes.PCR test – you collect a sample at home and mail it out for laboratory testing.Next, it's time to consider the two types: Which at-home COVID test is best?įirst, make sure whichever at-home COVID-19 tests you're considering are actually authorized by the FDA. Wesley Long, director of diagnostic microbiology at Houston Methodist. Just be sure to know the caveats of these tests and follow the instructions very closely," says Dr. At-home COVID tests can play a role during this pandemic. "The gold standard of COVID-19 testing is still a PCR test of a nasopharyngeal, or sometimes nasal, sample collected by a medical professional. Plus, since not all at-home COVID-19 test are rapid, how do you know which you need? And taking an at-home COVID test seems like a really convenient answer - especially considering that some deliver rapid results.Ī quick test, a negative result (hopefully) and you're in the clear to go to that birthday party you don't want to skip, right? In particular, many of us are looking for easier and faster ways to know if we're virus-free. Where do I go to get tested? Which test do I need? How soon will I get my results? We're a year and a half into this pandemic and somehow COVID-19 testing can still feel like a total mystery at times.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |