COVID-19 Test: Everything you Need to Know

As our communities continue to return to school, work and regular activities, we are relying more on COVID-19 testing to help us minimize risk.

In addition to PCR and antibody tests, "rapid tests" (also known as antigen tests) are now available in a variety of places, from your doctor's office to major retailers. It's really confusing to figure out if you should get tested and what test you should take. Don't worry, we've got you covered.

What types of COVID-19 tests are available?

The three types of tests available for COVID-19 are antigen tests, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, and antibody tests.

• An antigen test uses a swab from the nose or throat to collect a sample of mucus. The sample is then tested on the spot to quickly determine the presence of specific proteins that appear in people who are at the peak of infection, when the presence of COVID-19 in their body is highest. Test results are usually available within minutes. However, it is important to know that false negatives are more common with rapid antigen tests than with other tests, especially in people without symptoms. In fact, if you don't have symptoms, an antigen test is probably not right for you.

• A PCR test uses a swab from the nose or throat to see if someone has an active COVID-19 infection. PCR tests are usually sent to a lab and can take a few days to get results. Rapid PCR tests also exist, but their availability is limited and they are generally used by hospitals in emergency situations.

• An antibody test is a blood test to see if you had the virus at some point in the past and if it recovered by building up antibodies to fight the infection. Depending on the type of antibody test performed, it will be taken by blood draw or finger prick.

When to do a rapid test:

Rapid tests currently marketed by urgent care centers, medical offices and major retailers can provide patients with rapid confirmation of COVID-19 infection. Results are usually ready in 15 minutes. However, these rapid antigen tests are not as reliable as the PCR test.

Here's who should get one*:

People with symptoms of COVID-19. Symptoms include:

• Fever

• Dry cough

• Difficulty breathing

• Tired

• Muscle or body pain

• Sore throat

• stuffy or runny nose

• New loss of taste or smell

• nausea Vomiting

• Diarrhea

Who should NOT take a rapid test:

• If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, whether or not you have been directly or secondarily exposed to a COVID-19 positive person.

• People looking to confirm their status and return to work or school after battling COVID-19.

• People who wish to return to work or school after travel and do not have symptoms.

• People without symptoms who should be tested for COVID-19 before surgery or hospitalization. A PCR test remains the most accurate option.

A negative rapid antigen test result does not mean that a patient is free of COVID-19. Research on the accuracy of the rapid antigen test is still mounting, but false negative results have been reported up to 50% of the time. Therefore, any patient with symptoms of COVID-19 should continue to self-quarantine and practice social distancing until their symptoms resolve. If symptoms worsen, patients are encouraged to request a PCR test. In most cases, PCR test results are available within days.

When to take a COVID-19 PCR test:

If you want to know if you currently have a COVID-19 infection, a PCR test is the most accurate test you can get. Here's who should get one*:

• People with symptoms of COVID-19.

• People admitted to hospital for a medical procedure or surgery. Knowing if someone has a current COVID-19 infection helps healthcare providers plan accordingly, reducing the spread of the virus among patients and hospital staff.

• Doctors can recommend people with special circumstances get tested. For example, if you need to return to work or other settings that may not allow adequate social distancing, your doctor may recommend that you first get tested for the virus, before entering an environment where the transmission could occur.

*Everyone is different. Always talk to your health care provider first to determine if it makes sense for you to get tested.

When to take a COVID-19 antibody test:

The antibody test (also called a serology test) is a blood test that can detect if you have ever been infected with COVID-19. The presence of specific antibodies suggests that you have been exposed and that your body has developed the blood proteins needed to fight the infection. You may want to consider an antibody test if:

• You want to know if you have had COVID-19.

• Your doctor has asked you to take an antibody test.

• He wants to help COVID-19 patients by donating plasma for convalescent plasma therapy.

You should be aware that there are various pros and cons to antibody testing and you should always talk to your doctor about which tests might be right for you.