![]() People who are in the hospital, though, may have other types of samples taken. Most false-positive results are thought to be due to lab contamination or other problems with how the lab has performed the test, not limitations of the test itself.Ī molecular test using a nasal swab is usually the best option, because it will have fewer false negative results than other diagnostic tests or samples from throat swabs or saliva. The false positive rate - that is, how often the test says you have the virus when you actually do not - should be close to zero. What about accuracy? The rate of false negatives - a test that says you don't have the virus when you actually do have the virus - varies depending on how long infection has been present: in one study, the false-negative rate was 20% when testing was performed five days after symptoms began, but much higher (up to 100%) earlier in infection. Much longer turnaround times are reported in many places. Results may be ready within hours, but often take at least a day or two. How long does it take to get results? It depends on lab capacity. What does the test look for? Molecular tests look for genetic material that comes only from the virus. The FDA has authorized a home molecular test that requires no prescription. Where can you get this test? At a hospital, in a medical office, in your car, or even at home. How is it done? Nasal swabs, throat swabs, and tests of saliva or other bodily fluids. Molecular tests (also called PCR tests, viral RNA tests, nucleic acid tests) If you want to know whether or not you have the virus, there are two types of tests: molecular tests and antigen testing. For more detailed information on individual tests, check the FDA's updated list of authorized tests, which has links to the test makers' websites. ![]() This blog post reviews features of the major types of tests. Tests vary in terms of accuracy, cost, recommended use for people of various ages, and convenience. This allows makers to market tests without receiving formal FDA approval because there is a public health emergency.īecause this novel coronavirus is indeed novel, and COVID-19 is a new disease, information about available tests is incomplete and testing options keep changing. The FDA has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for hundreds of COVID-19 diagnostic tests. Start here: There are tests that diagnose current infection and tests that show whether you previously had SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Combined, these are our best bets while awaiting better treatments and widespread vaccination. Now that we're well into the COVID-19 pandemic, the steps we need to take to effectively control the outbreak have become clear: conscientious prevention measures like wearing masks, washing hands, and distancing widespread testing with quick turnaround times and contact tracing for people who test positive to help stop the spread. ![]()
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