COVID-19 Testing – Essential to Know About the Testing Process

Posted by Virus Geeks on May 20th, 2021

When the entire world has been hit badly by the pandemic from 2020 to the present time, the United States of America has said its people to walk without mask (If they have taken their vaccination done properly). However, it doesn’t mean you are totally careless. Still COVID-19 testing is essential for those, who haven’t taken their vaccination completed or they feel symptoms of Corona virus. COVID-19 testing for diagnosis is done to find out, if you are currently infected with SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes Corona Virus disease 2019 or COViD-19. In order to help people get their virus level diagnosed or its symptoms, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA has approved these types of tests for diagnosing a COVID-19 Infection.

PCR Test or Molecular Test

PCR Test, also called as Molecular Test, is an important COVID-19 testing procedure – done to detect genetic material of the virus by using a lab technique – called polymerase chain reaction or PCR. The testing process starts with collection a fluid sample that is taken by inserting a long nasal swab into your nostril and taking fluid from the back of your nose or by using a shorter nasal swab to get a sample.

The process starts with long swab that is inserted into the back of your throat or you may also spit into a tube to produce a saliva sample. Results of this COVID-19 testing are quick and available in minutes, if analyzed onsite or a few days or longer in locations with test processing delays. PCR tests may very accurate, when properly performed by a health care professional and if sent to an outside lab. However, rapid tests can miss some cases.

PCR test is also called as Flu SC2 Multiplex Assay that can detect any of three viruses at the same time – the COVID-19 Virus, Influenza A and influenza B or Flu. For this, a single sample is required to check for all three viruses.

Antigen Test

It is another important COVID-19 testing process – detects certain proteins in the virus. This testing process starts with the use of long nasal swab – mainly to get a fluid sample. Not mention some antigen tests – that are done to produce results in minutes. Some tests are sent to lab for analysis. A positive antigen test result is counted as accurate, when instructions are carefully followed, but there is an increased chance of false-negative results. It depends on the situation; your doctor may recommend a PCR test to confirm a negative antigen test result.