How Can I Test for COVID-19?
There are two types of tests available to detect if you have an active coronavirus infection: Molecular (RT-PCR) tests and Antigen tests .
There are two types of tests available to detect if you have an active coronavirus infection.
- Molecular (RT-PCR) tests, which detect the virus' genetic material
- Antigen tests that detect specific proteins on the surface of the virus
Molecular and antigen tests are performed using samples taken mostly from the nose and throat using a long swab, or other respiratory specimens. If your COVID-19 test was positive, this means that the test did detect the presence of COVID-19 in your nasal secretions and therefore, you are currently infected with COVID-19.
COVID-19 antibody tests
COVID-19 antibody tests can help identify people who may have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the past or have recovered from the COVID-19 infection. It is important to know that an antibody test does not detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to diagnose COVID-19. If you have a positive test result on a SARS-CoV-2 antibody test, it is possible that you have recently or previously had COVID-19.
If you suspect that you have contracted the virus, isolate yourself, and get an appointment to get the test done.
