TYPES OF CORONAVIRUS TESTS
PCR TESTing
Molecular or viral test
A PCR test uses a swab of the mouth, nose, or throat to
see if someone has an active COVID-19 infection. PCR
tests are typically sent to a lab and can take a few days
for results.
Results Interpretations
Positive: Most likely* you DO currently have
an active covid-19 infection and can pass the
virus to other.
an active covid-19 infection and can pass the
virus to other.
Negative: Most likely* you DO NOT currently have
an active C29,’-19 infection
an active C29,’-19 infection
Next Steps
If Positive: Stay home and follow CDC guidance. Contact your primary care doctor and employer. If you are a healthcare worker or critical infrastrucutre contact your employer right away.
If Negative: If you do have symptoms, keep monitoring them and contact your doctor aboutstaying home and if you need further testing. If you DO NOT have symptoms further testing is not required unless ordered by doctor or employer.
RAPID ANTIGEN TEST
An antigen test uses a swab of the nose or throat to collect a mucus sample. The sample is then tested on the spot to rapidly determine the presence of specific proteins that appear in individuals who are at the peak of infection, when COVID-19 presence in their body is the highest. Test results are usually available in a few minutes. However, it’s important to know that false negatives are more common with rapid antigen tests than with other tests, especially in people with no symptoms. In fact, if you don’t have symptoms, an antigen test probably isn’t right for you.
Saliva, or swab from nose or throat
Results Interpretations
Rapid Antigen Test Results
Positive: Most likely* you DO currently have
an active covid-19 infection and can pass the
virus to other.
an active covid-19 infection and can pass the
virus to other.
Negative: You either Do NOT currently have an active COVID-19 infection or you DO have COVID-19, but were tested too early or too late into the virus progression. Regardless of having symptoms or not, you may still be able to pass th
Next Steps
Rapid Antigen Next Steps
If Positive: Stay home and follow CDC guidance. Contact your primary care doctor and employer. If you are a healthcare worker or critical infrastrucutre contact your employer right away.
If Negative: Even after a negative rapid test, if you’re experiencing symptoms, have recently traveled, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, stay home and follow CDC guidance to avoid spreading potenetial illness to others. If you symptoms persist or worsen contact your primary care doctor about taking a PCR test.
HOW THE TEST WORKS
Results
24-72 Hours from when the lab receives your test.
Results
Most are rapid, around 15 minutes or less.
How to stay safe:
Remember, the COVID-19 virus can re-infect (some
have a degree of immunity temporarily, but this cannot
be said with certainty. Scientitists continue to conduct
studies to provide more information. Take all necessary
steps you protect yourself and your loved ones, and
all people.
How to stay safe:
Remember, the COVID-19 virus can spread even by
asymptomatic people (people showing no symptoms). It is important to continuing social distancing, hand washing, and mask wearing.
