COVID-19 diagnostic testing

COVID-19 diagnostic testing is done to find out if you're currently infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved these types of tests for diagnosing a COVID-19 infection:PCR test. Also called a molecular test, this COVID-19 test detects genetic material of the virus using a lab technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A fluid sample is collected by inserting a long nasal swab (nasopharyngeal swab) into your nostril and taking fluid from the back of your nose or by using a shorter nasal swab (mid-turbinate swab) to get a sample.

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Originally Posted by carnachpace

COVID-19 diagnostic testing is done to find out if you're currently infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved these types of tests for diagnosing a COVID-19 infection:PCR test. Also called a molecular test, this COVID-19 test detects genetic material of the virus using a lab technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A fluid sample is collected by inserting a long nasal swab (nasopharyngeal swab) into your nostril and taking fluid from the back of your nose or by using a shorter nasal swab (mid-turbinate swab) to get a sample.

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In some cases, a long swab is inserted into the back of your throat (oropharyngeal swab), or you may spit into a tube to produce a saliva sample. Results may be available in minutes if analyzed onsite or a few days — or longer in locations with test processing delays — if sent to an outside lab. PCR tests are very accurate when properly performed by a health care professional, but the rapid test can miss some cases.

Antigen test. This COVID-19 test detects certain proteins in the virus. Using a long nasal swab to get a fluid sample, some antigen tests can produce results in minutes. Others may be sent to a lab for analysis.
A positive antigen test result is considered accurate when instructions are carefully followed, but there's an increased chance of false-negative results — meaning it's possible to be infected with the virus but have a negative result. Depending on the situation, the doctor may recommend a PCR test to confirm a negative antigen test result.A PCR test called the Flu SC2 Multiplex Assay can detect any of three viruses at the same time: the COVID-19 virus, influenza A and influenza B (flu). Only a single sample is needed to check for all three viruses, and this could be helpful during the flu season. But a negative result does not rule out the possibility of any of these infections. So the diagnostic process may include more steps, depending on symptoms, possible exposures and your doctor's clinical judgment.

You have COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, tiredness or shortness of breath
You don't have symptoms but you've had close contact with someone who tests positive for the COVID-19 virus or is suspected of having the virus. Close contact means you’ve been within 6 feet (2 meters) of a person who has COVID-19. But if you've tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three months, you don’t need to get tested. If you’ve been fully vaccinated and you’ve had close contact with someone who has the COVID-19 virus, get tested 3 to 5 days after you’ve had contact with them.
You've participated in activities that increase your risk of COVID-19 and did not stay at least 6 feet away from others — examples include travel, large gatherings or crowded indoor settings.
Your doctor or other health care professional or your public health department recommends a test

Quote:

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Originally Posted by carnachpace

COVID-19 diagnostic testing is done to find out if you're currently infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved these types of tests for diagnosing a COVID-19 infection:PCR test. Also called a molecular test, this COVID-19 test detects genetic material of the virus using a lab technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A fluid sample is collected by inserting a long nasal swab (nasopharyngeal swab) into your nostril and taking fluid from the back of your nose or by using a shorter nasal swab (mid-turbinate swab) to get a sample.

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Other people may be given priority for testing depending on local health department guidelines for monitoring COVID-19 in individual communities.Some people who are infected with the COVID-19 virus may be asymptomatic, meaning they don't have any signs or symptoms. But they can still transmit the virus to others. In some areas of the U.S., testing is available to asymptomatic people. If people without symptoms have a positive test result, they should follow guidelines for self-isolation to help curb the spread of the virus.

There's a chance that your COVID-19 diagnostic test could return a false-negative result. This means that the test didn't detect the virus, even though you actually are infected with it. You risk unknowingly spreading the virus to others if you don't take proper precautions, such as following social distancing guidelines and wearing a face mask when appropriate. There's also a chance that a COVID-19 rapid antigen test can produce false-positive results — indicating an infection when actually there isn't one — if instructions aren't carefully followed.The risk of false-negative or false-positive test results depends on the type and sensitivity of the COVID-19 diagnostic test, thoroughness of the sample collection, and accuracy of the lab analysis.Be wary of any offers for at-home COVID-19 tests that the FDA has not cleared for use — they often give inaccurate results.If you think you may have COVID-19, call your doctor's office or your local health department to review your symptoms and ask about testing before you go in, so staff can prepare for your visit, wearing personal protective equipment.

The Panodyne Antigen Saliva COIVID Test Kit is intended for the early detection of SARS-Cov-2 virus in various settings. Available as single pack, or pack of 24. This product is CE certified and approved for use by healthcare professionals and trained staff. Covid home testing kits

It is good that today people can do a Covid test faster, and even there are several ways.

Some of the diagnostic tests for COVID-19 include:
• Molecular Test: a diagnostic test that detects genetic material from the virus.
• Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR): one type of molecular diagnostic test.
It also happened that I worked on one project with the guys from https://writinguniverse.com/free-ess...s/mesoamerica/ and wrote an article on the topic. Of course, I read much about these tests. Antigen test results may come back in as little as 15 to 45 minutes. And you may wait several days or longer for PCR test results. Also, it is great that there exist express tests that can be done at home without visiting a laboratory.