If you’ve ever been asked to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, chances are you were asked to show your results from a PCR, or ‘polymerase chain reaction test. But, why are people still confused about the other testing options out there? You may have heard of antigen testing, molecular testing, PCR tests, rapid tests…so many tests! and are tilting your head saying, “aren’t they all the same thing? Which should I get?”
No way Jose. We may have multiple testing options to help detect the COVID-19 virus, but there are plenty of differences including the advantages and disadvantages of each you should know about. AFC Urgent Care Danbury wants to help clarify the question:
Should I get a Rapid COVID-19 Test or a PCR test? Beware of The Rapid Test You Hear About “Results In Minutes”
“But, I don’t have time to wait for a PCR result” cried Jimmy who ended up with a false-negative test result and infected his whole family days later.
You may have gotten excited about the “Rapid” testing options in the past year and heard that you can now buy your own at-home kit over the holidays. However, not all COVID rapid tests are the same.
The most common rapid test is the antigen test. You may have seen a rapid antigen test and a rapid PCR test as an option at your local pharmacy and thought, it must be the same thing, but with a different name, right? Wrong. These are two different types of tests that use different testing methods.
The antigen rapid test only tests for the live protein found in the COVID-19 virus. If you don’t use an antigen test in the early stages of COVID-19 it can be harder to detect the protein if you have a low viral amount in your sample. The Rapid PCR test is a faster version of the PCR molecular test giving you results in real time. Unlike the antigen test, the Rapid PCR test stands for a polymerase chain reaction that converts the COVID-19 virus RNA into DNA. It amplifies even the smallest viral collection making it easier to detect if you have small traces of it in your system.
The bottom line is the type of rapid test matters. Antigen testing may have the advantage of “results in minutes”, but this test is not widely accepted when returning to work, going on a plane, to a venue, or an event.
A PCR Test is The Way to Go
AFC Urgent Care Danbury offers Rapid PCR testing and PCR molecular tests on a walk-in basis. PCR tests are considered the gold standard and are accepted as a proof of test when going back to work, to travel, to school or anywhere.
At AFC Urgent Care in Danbury we use a nasal swab method when performing a PCR test. The reliability and accuracy of detection of PCR testing is highly suggested to anyone who recently had a Christmas gathering, New Years party or have traveled in the past week.
Results for a standard PCR test can take up to 48-72 hours and will be provided via a patient portal by email.
Rapid PCR test results are on the same day within 20 minutes after specimen collection.
Plan ahead as we anticipate COVID-19 cases to increase in Danbury Connecticut after the holidays. Wait times may also vary depending on the demand for testing.
AFC Urgent Care Danbury Can Help Test You For COVID-19 After The Holidays
***NEW
The CDC guidelines have recently been updated to shorten the quarantine and isolation time for people who test positive in the U.S. Isolation time has been reduced from 10 days to 5 days. It is required to wear a mask for another 5 days as an extra precaution. For more information and guidance,click here.
Testing for COVID-19 will continue to help keep us informed and help reduce the number of cases in the state of Connecticut. AFC Urgent Care Danbury is open 7 days a week for your urgent care needs like X-rays, flu shots, cuts, sprains, physicals and a whole lot more.
We’re also ready to test you for COVID-19 as we move forward in the New Year. You can count on us to help give you the most accurate and reliable results you need to go about your normal day.
