COVID-19 is a disease caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Although COVID-19 is mild to moderate in most cases, it can also cause serious illness.
There are various tests to detect COVID-19. Virus tests, such as molecular and antigen tests, can detect current infections. At the same time, antibody testing can determine whether you have been infected with the new coronavirus before.
Below, we will break down each type of COVID-19 test in more detail. We will study how they are done, when the results can be expected, and their accuracy. Keep reading to learn more.
Molecular testing for COVID-19 is used to help diagnose the current novel coronavirus infection. You may also see this type of test called:
Molecular testing uses specific probes to detect the presence of genetic material from the new coronavirus. To improve accuracy, many molecular tests can detect multiple viral genes, not just one.
Most molecular tests use nasal or throat swabs to collect samples. In addition, certain types of molecular tests can be performed on saliva samples collected by asking you to spit into a tube.
The turnaround time for molecular testing may vary. For example, using some instant tests can receive results within 15 to 45 minutes. When samples need to be sent to the laboratory, it may take 1 to 3 days to receive the results.
Molecular testing is considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing COVID-19. For example, the 2021 Cochrane review found that molecular tests correctly diagnosed 95.1% of COVID-19 cases.
Therefore, a positive result of a molecular test is usually sufficient to diagnose COVID-19, especially if you also have symptoms of COVID-19. After you receive the results, there is usually no need to repeat the test.
You may get false negative results in molecular tests. In addition to errors in sample collection, transportation, or processing, timing is also important.
Because of these factors, it is important to seek testing immediately after you begin to develop symptoms of COVID-19.
The Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) currently ensures free testing for COVID-19, regardless of insurance status. This includes molecular testing. The actual cost of molecular testing is estimated to be between $75 and $100.
Similar to molecular testing, antigen testing can be used to determine if you currently have COVID-19. You may also see this type of test called a rapid COVID-19 test.
The working principle of the antigen test is to look for specific viral markers called antigens. If a novel coronavirus antigen is detected, the antibodies used in the antigen test will bind to it and produce a positive result.
Use nasal swabs to collect samples for antigen testing. You can receive antigen testing in multiple places, such as:
The turnaround time for antigen testing is usually faster than molecular testing. It may take about 15 to 30 minutes to get the results.
Antigen testing is not as accurate as molecular testing. The 2021 Cochrane Review discussed above found that the antigen test correctly identified COVID-19 in 72% and 58% of people with and without COVID-19 symptoms, respectively.
Although positive results are usually very accurate, false negative results may still occur for reasons similar to molecular testing, such as premature antigen testing after infection with the new coronavirus.
Due to the low accuracy of antigen testing, molecular testing may be required to confirm a negative result, especially if you currently have symptoms of COVID-19.
Like molecular testing, antigen testing is currently free regardless of the insurance status under FFCRA. The actual cost of the antigen test is estimated to be between US$5 and US$50.
Antibody testing can help determine if you have been infected with COVID-19 before. You can also see this type of test called a serological test or serological test.
The antibody test looks for antibodies against the new coronavirus in your blood. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system responds to infection or vaccination.
It takes 1 to 3 weeks for your body to start producing antibodies. Therefore, unlike the two virus tests discussed above, antibody tests cannot help diagnose whether they are currently infected with the new coronavirus.
The turnaround time for antibody testing varies. Some bedside facilities may provide results for the day. If you send the sample to the laboratory for analysis, you can receive the results in approximately 1 to 3 days.
Another Cochrane review in 2021 looks at the accuracy of COVID-19 antibody testing. Generally speaking, the accuracy of the test increases over time. For example, the test is:
We are still understanding how long the antibodies from natural SARS-CoV-2 infection can last. Some studies have found that antibodies can last for at least 5 to 7 months in people who have recovered from COVID-19.
Like molecular and antigen testing, FFCRA also covers antibody testing. The actual cost of antibody testing is estimated to be between US$30 and US$50.
A variety of COVID-19 home testing options are now available, including molecular, antigen, and antibody testing. There are two different types of home COVID-19 tests:
The type of sample collected depends on the type of test and the manufacturer. Home virus testing may require a nasal swab or saliva sample. The home antibody test requires you to provide a blood sample drawn from your fingertips.
Home COVID-19 testing can be done in pharmacies, retail stores, or online, with or without a prescription. Although some insurance plans may cover these costs, you may have to bear some costs, so be sure to check with your insurance provider.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), testing for the current COVID-19 is recommended under the following conditions:
Virus testing is important to determine if you currently have the new coronavirus and need to be isolated at home. This is essential to help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the community.
You may want to take an antibody test to see if you have been infected with the new coronavirus before. A healthcare professional can advise you on whether to recommend an antibody test.
Although antibody tests can tell you if you have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 before, they cannot determine your level of immunity. This is because it is not yet clear how long the natural immunity to the new coronavirus will last.
For this reason, it is important not to rely on antibody tests to measure whether you are protected from the new coronavirus. Regardless of the outcome, it is still vital to continue to take daily measures to prevent COVID-19.
Antibody testing is also a useful epidemiological tool. Public health officials can use them to determine the extent of community exposure to the new coronavirus.
The virus test is used to see if you currently have COVID-19. Two different types of virus testing are molecular testing and antigen testing. Of the two, molecular detection is more accurate.
An antibody test can determine whether you have been infected with the new coronavirus before. But they cannot detect the current COVID-19 disease.
According to the Family First Coronavirus Response Act, all COVID-19 tests are currently free. If you have any questions or concerns about the COVID-19 test or your test results, please feel free to contact your healthcare professional.
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Post time: Jul-20-2021