How Do COVID-19, PCR and Antigen , Tests Compare?.
CBS reports that as demand for COVID-19
tests grows, choosing and using
different types of tests can be confusing.
PCR tests are reportedly
considered to be the "gold standard" when
it comes to spotting SARS-CoV-2 infections. .
In comparison, antigen tests, otherwise known
as lateral flow tests, are reportedly less
sensitive than their PCR counterparts. .
However, antigen tests are a popular
alternative, as they can be taken at home
and return quicker results. .
According to CBS News, antigen tests work
best in symptomatic people within
the first week of infection. .
Last year, one review estimated that
antigen tests may only spot about 75%
of cases that a PCR test would detect. .
PCR tests are still by far the best test
and those are the tests that most hospitals
are using to identify COVID-19 patients, Dr. Emily Volk, president of the College
of American Pathologists, via 'CBS Mornings'.
PCR tests are still by far the best test
and those are the tests that most hospitals
are using to identify COVID-19 patients, Dr. Emily Volk, president of the College
of American Pathologists, via 'CBS Mornings'.
Currently, antigen tests remain in short
supply and can be difficult to find at
many stores or online retailers. .
CBS reports that starting this month,
the White House plans to offer a website
that will distribute free at-home tests. .
The plan reportedly will require health insurers to reimburse the cost of purchasing at-home tests. .
The appropriate tool in this pandemic
to answer the question, 'Do I need to isolate?
Am I infectious and a risk to my neighbors?'
is using a rapid antigen test because it only
stays positive as long as you are infectious, Dr. Michael Mina, Chief science officer at eMed,
via 'CBS Mornings'