Which test is best for COVID-19?

Now that we’re well into the COVID-19 pandemic, the steps we need to take to effectively control the outbreak have become clear. Some prevention measures like wearing masks, washing hands, and distancing. Contact tracing for people who test positive to help stop the spread. So, which tests to use? There are tests that diagnose current infection and tests that show whether you previously had SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. FDA has granted 100’s of COVID – 19 diagnostic tests. This allows makers to market tests without receiving formal FDA approval Because this novel coronavirus is indeed novel, and COVID-19 is a new disease, information about available tests is incomplete and testing options keep changing. Tests vary in terms of accuracy, cost, recommend use for people of various ages, and convenience. Diagnostic tests for current infection There are three types of tests, if you want to know whether or not you have the virus,: PCR molecular tests, Antibody testing and Antigen testing. 1. Molecular tests (also called PCR tests, viral RNA tests, nucleic acid tests) How is it done? Nasal swabs, throat swabs, and tests of saliva or other bodily fluids. Where can you get this test? At a hospital, in a medical office, in your car, or even at home. How long does it take to get results? It depends on lab capacity. Results may be ready within hours, but often take at least a day or two. Much longer turnaround times are reported in many places. The false-negative rate was 20% when testing was performed five days after symptoms began, but much higher (up to 100%) earlier in infection. A molecular test using a nasal swab is usually the best option, because it will have fewer false negative results than other diagnostic tests or samples from throat swabs or saliva. People who are in the hospital, though, may have other types of samples taken. ( PCR test in Jackasonville ) 2. Antigen tests How is it done? A nasal or throat swab. Where can you get these tests? At a hospital, a doctor’s office or at home (the FDA has authorized a home antigen test that requires no prescription). What does the test look for? This test identifies protein fragments (antigens) from the virus. How long does it take to get results? The technology involved is similar to a pregnancy test or a rapid strep test, with results available in minutes. What about accuracy? False negative results tend to occur more often with antigen tests than with molecular tests. This is why antigen tests are not favored by the FDA as a single test for active infection. . Because antigen testing is quicker, less expensive, and requires less complex technology to perform than molecular testing, some experts recommend repeated antigen testing as a reasonable strategy. As with the molecular test, the false positive rate of antigen testing should be close to zero. Tests for past infection An antibody test can show if you have previously been infected with the COVID-19 virus. 3. Antibody tests (also called serologic testing) How is it done? A sample of blood is taken. Where can you get these tests? At a doctor’s office, blood testing lab, or hospital. What does the test look for? These blood tests identify antibodies that the body’s immune system has produced in response to the infection. While a serologic test cannot tell you if you have an infection now, it can accurately identify past infection. How long does it take to get results? Results are usually available within a few days. What about accuracy? Having an antibody test too early can lead to false negative results. That’s because it takes a week or two after infection for your immune system to produce antibodies. The reported rate of false negatives is 20%. However, the range of false negatives is from 0% to 30%, depending on the study and when in the course of infection the test is performed. Research suggests antibody levels may wane over just a few months. And while a positive antibody test proves you’ve been exposed to the virus, it’s not yet known whether such results indicate a lack of contagiousness or long-lasting, protective immunity. ( Antibody testing for covid 19 jacksonville fl )