A PCR test stands for polymerase chain reaction test. This is a diagnostic test that determines if you are infected by analyzing a sample to see if it contains genetic material from the virus.
Diagnostic tests can show if you currently are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. There are two types of COVID-19 diagnostic tests: Molecular tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Antigen tests, often referred to as rapid tests.
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based diagnostic tests (which detect viral nucleic acids) are considered the gold standard for detecting current SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Rapid Point-of-Care tests, test performed or interpreted by someone other than the individual being tested, can be performed in minutes and can include antigen and some NAATs. Self-tests are rapid tests that can be taken at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results.
PCR tests are more accurate than antigen tests. "PCR tests are the gold standard for detecting SARS-CoV-2," says Dr. Broadhurst. "It is the most accurate testing modality that we have.
Viral Test TypesLaboratory tests can take days to complete and include RT-“PCR” tests and other types of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs).Rapid Point-of-Care tests can be performed in minutes and can include antigen tests, some NAATs, and other tests.
PCR tests are very accurate when properly performed by a health care professional, but the rapid test can miss some cases.
Molecular tests are generally more accurate and mostly processed in a laboratory, which takes longer; antigen tests—or “rapid tests”—are processed pretty much anywhere, including at home, in doctors' offices, or in pharmacies.
Risks to a patient of a false negative test result include: delayed or lack of supportive treatment, lack of monitoring of infected individuals and their household or other close contacts for symptoms resulting in increased risk of spread of COVID-19 within the community, or other unintended adverse events.
While home tests provide a quick, accurate result, the flip side is that many test results are no longer reported to health authorities. The power behind widely available over-the-counter testing is that people can quickly and conveniently know their infection status early on to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Molecular tests are generally more accurate and mostly processed in a laboratory, which takes longer; antigen tests—or “rapid tests”—are processed pretty much anywhere, including at home, in doctors' offices, or in pharmacies.
Previous research by our study team and others suggests that over-the-counter tests are more likely to detect an infection among people who are actively contagious.