ANTIGEN TEST
Antigen tests can be used to examine blood, spit, saliva, pee, poop or other
body fluids to detect a specific marker of a disease. Antigen tests are quick,
15-20min, but are not reliable. If your test is positive using an antigen test, it
is likely that you have the virus at the time you were tested. If you tested
NEGATIVE that does not mean you don’t have the virus. Antigen tests are
often used to detect viruses that cause illnesses like the flu, respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV), strep, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
PCR TEST
PCR TEST is the GOLD standard test. It is the most reliable and accurate test
to detect active infection. PCR means polymerase chain reaction. It detects
genetic material from a specific organism. The test detects the presence of a
virus if you have the virus at the time of the test. The test could also detect
fragments of the virus even after you are no longer infected. PCR tests are
used to diagnose certain infectious diseases. Identify certain genetic changes
that can cause disease. Find small amounts of certain cancer cells that might
be missed in other types of tests
