The PCR test
is a type of diagnostic test used to detect the presence of a virus or bacteria in a sample of tissue or fluid. It stands for polymerase chain reaction, and it is a highly sensitive and specific test that can detect even small amounts of genetic material from a virus or bacteria. The PCR test is commonly used to diagnose infections such as the flu, HIV, and COVID-19.
A COVID-19 PCR test
is a type of PCR test specifically designed to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The test is performed by taking a sample of saliva or nasal swab from the patient and then running it through a PCR machine. The machine amplifies any genetic material from the virus, allowing it to be detected.
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus should get tested for COVID-19. It is also recommended that people who are at high risk of exposure to the virus, such as healthcare workers, get tested regularly.
A positive result on a COVID-19 PCR test means that the person has been infected with the virus. A negative result means that the person has not been infected. It is important to note that a negative result does not necessarily mean that the person is not infected, as the test may not have been able to detect the virus if it is present in very small amounts.
The amount of time it takes to get coronavirus test results can vary depending on the type of test used and the laboratory processing the sample. Generally, it takes 1-3 days to get results from a PCR test.
Most people who have had COVID-19 will test positive for the virus for up to three months after they have recovered. However, it is important to note that the virus can remain in the body for longer periods of time, and some people may continue to test positive for up to six months after they have recovered.
The difference between the PCR and antigen tests for COVID-19
is that the PCR test is more sensitive and can detect even small amounts of the virus, while the antigen test is less sensitive and can only detect larger amounts of the virus. The PCR test is also more accurate than the antigen test.
The PCR test is the most accurate test for detecting COVID-19, and it is the test of choice for most healthcare providers. It is important to note that the accuracy of the test can vary depending on the laboratory processing the sample.
To find out where to get tested for COVID-19, contact your local health department or visit the CDC website for more information.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Testing for COVID-19. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/index.html
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pcr-test/about/pac-20392954
- World Health Organization. (2020). Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
Keywords: PCR test, COVID-19 PCR test, coronavirus test, COVID-19 test, antigen test, SARS-CoV-2 virus.