As COVID-19 cases are drastically increasing in most US states, the Federal and State governments are making sure that testing kits are available in every corner to facilitate the people. The winter season has become another barrier in determining if a person is suffering from COVID-19 or the average flu or cold.
Suppose you are showing symptoms of Coronavirus, such as a fever, cough, sneezing, and body pain. In that case, you should immediately get yourself tested and maintain a safe distance from your family until your results come out negative. However, many people are confused about what test they should go for. Below, you will find the basic types of COVID-19 tests that you can take:
1. Saliva Test
This is the easiest way to collect the sample. These tests do not follow the standard PCR technology but come under the same category as the nasal swab test. Collecting saliva is not an extensive method, but the test’s accuracy is the same as the PRC test.
2. Molecular or PCR Test
This is the most common COVID-19 test, but the accuracy rate is 70% accurate. Healthcare professionals will collect the sample from your nose or throat by inserting a long nasal swab. While collecting the sample, the professional should insert the swab deep inside the nose to increase accuracy. To determine the results, testing teams require specific equipment and chemicals.
3. Antigen Test
The antigen test is similar to the PCR test as it requires a nasal swab. But instead of collecting the genetic material of the virus, this test requires proteins from the surface of the virus. There are chances that the test might show false-negative results. If you show the symptoms, but the result is negative, your doctor might recommend a PCR test for confirmation.
4. Antibody Test
The human body makes antibodies so that the immune system can provide protection against the virus. The antibody does not highlight that you are corona positive or negative, but it identifies if your body has developed antibodies or not. The test has nothing to do with the virus, but the healthcare professional will require proteins from your blood. The development of the antibodies does not suggest that you are safe from the virus, as the test does not indicate how long these antibodies can protect you from the virus.
There are numerous benefits of taking the COVID-19 test. They can help you determine if you have the novel Coronavirus or if your body has developed antibodies in response to it. If you are not COVID positive, you can rejoin your educational institute or workspace with a negative result on your test. You can contact an urgent care center for saliva and new tests. If you have any other questions related to COVID-19, contact an urgent care center near you.
