Aren’t all COVID tests the same thing? No, they’re not all the same.

Rapid COVID tests may all produce rapid results, but the method of testing or the type of test you decide upon has its differences. If you’re confused about which one to get, then you’re in the same boat as many other people, especially after the holidays. Chances are you may have been exposed,  as the Omicron variant is making its way around Massachusetts. 

Don’t stress out!  AFC Urgent Care in West Springfield is your go to urgent care that has the answer to which Rapid COVID-19 test is the one to get, and what your results mean.

Rapid Antigen Tests Versus Rapid Molecular Tests

The PCR COVID-19 test is the gold standard for COVID-19 testing around the world. It’s widely accepted because it uses a molecular testing method to test the genetic material of the COVID-19 virus and its variants. The only drawback is that PCR tests do take a few days to get results.

In 2021, rapid testing became the norm,  as it’s appeal for “results in minutes” or “on the same day” helpd everyone get back to normal routine without having to wait days for results. But, not all Rapid tests are the same. Fortunately, the PCR test did come out with a Rapid version making it the best of both worlds for being the most accurate and fastest test you can get on the market. 

But, when it comes to “Rapid testing”, there are differences you should be aware of. 

There is, in fact, another type of rapid testing called the Rapid Antigen test. Unlike PCR or Rapid Molecular tests which test the genetic material of the virus, an Antigen test tests the live protein of the virus. Antigen tests have become very popular over the 2021 holiday break, especially the at-home Rapid Antigen tests that can be bought in pharmacies and online. But, are they as specific and sensitive as the Rapid Molecular tests?

Rapid Molecular Tests Have More Advantages Than The Antigen Test

Rapid Antigen tests are notorious for their false-negative results because they need a large viral amount of the COVID-19 virus in order to detect or show “positive”. If the test is not conducted properly, or there is not enough of the virus in your sample, it can show a false negative result. At the same time, if you’re not showing symptoms (asymptomatic), or are in the later stages of your COVID-19 infection,  it can also produce a negative result. Don’t always assume that one Antigen test will be enough to prove you’re negative.

Antigen tests are only good as a last resort if you are symptomatic or know you have been exposed in the early stages. 

If you’re unsure of your Antigen test result, we highly suggest you follow up with a PCR test or Rapid Molecular test. PCR and Rapid Molecular tests are the gold standard for a reason as they are the most reliable and accurate testing methods and have the advantage of being accepted as a “proof of test” for travel, going back to work, and to school, etc.

AFC Urgent Care in West Springfield Offers Rapid Molecular Tests

Are you worried that you may have been exposed this past Christmas? Don’t delay your COVID-19 test. Plan ahead as we go into the new year. Some schools are considering going virtual in the new year to avoid the unnecessary spread of the new Omicron variant.

As we start the new year, we highly suggest that everyone gets vaccinated for COVID-19. Getting tested is the next best thing to do continuously as we get back into our routines 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.

If you need Rapid Molecular testing, AFC Urgent Care in West Springfield offers it 7 days a week. **To better serve our patients we have temporarily implemented a ticketing system to schedule urgent care visits and covid-19 testing throughout the day. Tickets are distributed at the start of each day (approximately 8am) until all appointments have been exhausted for that day.    Each ticket will provide information on what time to return back to the center for your appointment.  

Results are on the same day in 20 minutes. Make sure to stick around, so we can hand you your results.