![]() ![]() This is especially true if you’ve had a high-risk exposure. WHAT IF I HAVE A NEGATIVE RAPID TEST BUT STILL HAVE SYMPTOMS?Ĭurrent recommendation is to have a confirmation test performed (the PCR test) if you still have symptoms and have had a negative rapid test. So, if you test positive from a rapid test it is more likely you do have the disease. The false positive rate - meaning I test positive but I do not really have the disease - is quite low. This can have tremendous consequences as we try to contain the spread of COVID-19. In those who don’t have symptoms, the false negative rate - meaning my test is negative but I actually have the disease - can be as high as 50%. WHAT DOES A FALSE NEGATIVE OR FALSE POSITIVE MEAN? ![]() While the rapid test can get you results very quickly, the results may not always be accurate. Rapid tests are considered most accurate in a patient who is having symptoms of COVID-19. When demand is high, results can take a week or longer. Turnaround time is longer, generally in the 2-3 day range but results can be in as little as 24 hours. The test can be done in a clinic, hospital, or even in your car. This test actually detects RNA (or genetic material) that is specific to the virus and can detect the virus within days of infection, even those who have no symptoms. PCR testing is considered the “gold standard” in SARS-CoV-2 detection. Turnaround time for results is usually very quick and in some cases, results can be reported within 15 minutes. It can be done in a clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital. This test detects protein fragments specific to the Coronavirus. Antigen test (frequently referred to as a rapid test).There are essentially two broad categories of testing: There are some clear indications as to which test you should get and some not so clear reasons.” WHAT TYPES OF TEST ARE AVAILABLE? Joseph Bustamante, Chief Medical Officer at Memorial Healthcare, “The variety of testing platforms for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) available today can be rather confusing. Testing for COVID-19 has tremendous value when it comes to trying to contain the spread of the COVID virus. ![]()
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