Different Types of Coronavirus Tests

[sharon sanders]

Hi Everyone! Apparently there is all kinds of incorrect information out there. Here is a chart about the different types of coronavirus tests. I believe that most countries are using the RT-PCR test, which is a molecular test, in their case reporting.


Different Types of Coronavirus Tests

Diagnostic test, viral test, molecular test, nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), RT-PCR test, LAMP test	Rapid diagnostic test (Some molecular tests are also rapid tests.)	Serological test, serology, blood test, serology test
Nasal or throat swab (most tests) Saliva (a few tests)	Nasal or throat swab	Finger stick or blood draw
Same day (some locations) or up to a week	One hour or less	Same day (many locations) or 1-3 days
This test is typically highly accurate and usually does not need to be repeated.	Positive results are usually highly accurate but negative results may need to be confirmed with a molecular test.	Sometimes a second antibody test is needed for accurate results.
Diagnoses active coronavirus infection	Diagnoses active coronavirus infection	Shows if you’ve been infected by coronavirus in the past
Show if you ever had COVID-19 or were infected with the coronavirus in the past	Definitively rule out active coronavirus infection. Antigen tests are more likely to miss an active coronavirus infection compared to molecular tests. Your health care provider may order a molecular test if your antigen test shows a negative result but you have symptoms of COVID-19.	Diagnose active coronavirus infection at the time of the test or show that you do not have COVID-19

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consum...testing-basics

 

[JJackson]

The table is easier to read with the headers and colour. All these tests are molecular test some are testing for RNA and some for proteins but they are molecules. Is a PCR test that comes back a week later worth having or is someone just getting payed $100 for running a pointless test that lets you know you were infectious a week ago but probably aren't now?