In general, the antigen test is used if you have COVID symptoms or have been exposed. The molecular test is an ideal test for travel. What are the COVID-19 test differences?
What is a Molecular/PCR COVID Test?
According to the FDA, molecular tests detect the genetic material or nucleic acid present inside a virus particle. As mentioned, there are several types of molecular tests.
These tests run amplification processes to detect the virus in the genetic material. That is why they are also known as nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT). There are lab-based molecular tests that take 3 to 7 days to provide results and there are also rapid molecular tests that allow for same-day results.
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, also known as the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), is a molecular test.
What Does PCR Stand For?
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is an amplification test (NAAT test). There are PCR tests that are sent to the lab that take 3 to 7 days to evaluate and a rapid PCR test that provides same-day results.
The PCR tests tend to be highly sensitive (especially traditional laboratory PCR tests). The test can sense even low levels of viral genetic material in a patient’s sample.
The rapid PCR test, lab-based PCR test, and other molecular tests are widely accepted by airlines, surgery centers, schools, and workplaces. Because molecular tests run through multiple amplification cycles, they tend to be more sensitive than an antigen COVID test.
COVID-19 Test Differences: Antigen Rapid Test
Instead of testing genetic material inside a virus particle like a molecular test, antigen tests detect one or more specific proteins from a virus particle, according to the FDA. Antigen tests are highly specific tests, but are less sensitive than molecular tests. However, antigen tests have a simpler design and allow for same-day results. Molecular and antigen testing are highly accurate.
Schedule Testing with Us!
Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine and Rapid Testing LLC are teaming up to provide rapid testing through our clinics. Learn more about the rapid tests and pricing by clicking here. The rapid tests can be scheduled without a provider visit and results are available the same day as testing. Available rapid tests are:
- The RT-PCR rapid test (NAAT) is available at all of our clinics.
- The antigen rapid test is available at all of our clinics.
If you’d like a lab-based RT-PCR test, you’ll need to complete a telehealth visit with Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine. Results are available in 3 to 7 days and this test is administered by Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine.
All of the COVID-19 tests use the most modern and accurate technology. If you need a test for work, school, travel, or surgery we suggest looking into which test will be accepted for your purposes.
When scheduling, please select consent to text or email. This will ensure you receive your results when they are ready. Schedule your rapid test by clicking here.