Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid (antigen) tests for COVID-19 both involve taking a swab. Results for a PCR test take longer, as it needs to go to a laboratory. It is more costly but tends to ...
Medically reviewed by Jordana Haber Hazan, MD Key Takeaways PCR tests are very accurate and can find the virus even in people ...
Antigen tests can identify the presence of antigens within the body, which are substances that cause immune responses, such as the release of antibodies. The immune system, and antibodies specifically ...
Dr. Matt Binnicker, an expert in the diagnosis of infectious diseases, reviews scenarios where an at-home antigen test is a good option, and when to seek out a lab-based PCR. The omicron variant is ...
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage, with more than five million deaths worldwide. The urgent, global nature of the pandemic has led to great innovation with novel vaccines and diagnostics, ...