COVID-19 is the sickness induced by SARS-CoV-2, a new coronavirus. COVID-19 is usually mild to moderate, but it can cause severe infection. COVID-19 can be detected using a variety of assays. A current infection can get detected with viral testing, like molecular and antigen assays. Meanwhile, antibody rapid test kits can tell you if you have had the novel coronavirus before.
Here are the different types of COVID-19 tests in detail:
Molecular tests for COVID-19
The COVID-19 molecular rapid test kits get used to aid in the diagnosis of current infection with the new coronavirus. This type of test may also get referred to as a:
- reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test
- reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) test
- nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)
How is the test done?
Specific probes are used in molecular testing to detect the presence of the new coronavirus' genetic material. Many molecular assays can detect numerous viral genes instead of only one to increase accuracy. A nasal or throat swab gets done in most molecular assays to acquire a sample. Furthermore, some molecular tests can get performed on a saliva sample obtained by asking you to spit into a tube.
Molecular rapid test kits are available at many places:
- hospitals
- urgent care centres
- health clinics
- at home
- pharmacies
- community-based COVID-19 testing sites
Antigen tests for COVID-19
Like the molecular test, the antigen test can get used to identifying if you have COVID-19. This type of test will probably get referred to as a COVID-19 quick test.
How is the test done?
Antigen tests check for antigens, which are particular viral indicators. If new coronavirus antigens get discovered, the antigen test antibodies will bind to them, resulting in a positive result. A nasal swab gets used to collect samples for an antigen test. Antigen rapid test kits are available at a variety of locations, including:
- hospitals
- urgent care centres
- health clinics
- pharmacies
- community-based COVID-19 testing sites
- at home
Antibody tests for COVID-19
Antibody tests can assist you to figure out if you have got COVID-19 before. This type of test is also known as a serology test or a serological test.
How is the test done?
This antibody test checks for antibodies in your blood specific to the coronavirus. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to infections or vaccines. It takes a week to three weeks for your body to start manufacturing antibodies. As a result, antibody testing, unlike the two viral tests mentioned, cannot be used to diagnose a present infection with the new coronavirus. Antibody rapid test kits are available at various locations:
- hospitals
- urgent care centres
- health clinics
- pharmacies
- at home
A vein in your arm might get used to collect a blood sample for the test.