Covid 19 testing

Since coronavirus began its rampant spread, we've slowly come to learn about the confusing array of available testing options at doctors' offices and health care facilities—many based on mucus and others that use saliva or blood. There are currently two primary types of COVID-19 tests: diagnostic tests that look for active coronavirus infection in your mucus or saliva, and blood tests that hunt for antibodies—evidence that your immune system has encountered the infection before.

Types of Covid 19 testing:

The right test, then, depends on the goal, such as confirming an active COVID infection; identifying asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals who might be shedding virus, or determining whether someone previously had COVID. There is not a lone testing approach that is going to meet every need and solve every problem. Mainly there are two type of covid tests usually preferred for virus:

Molecular test (aka RNA or PCR test): These diagnostic tests are considered the most sensitive for detecting an active infection, and the results are highly accurate. You might take one if you or your doctor think you have Covid-19 testing Los Angeles. You might also be asked to take this type of test if you need to prove to your employer or your college that you are not currently infected prior to returning to work or campus

In most cases, a health care provider will collect mucus from your nose or throat using a specialized swab. Some molecular tests now use saliva; which people may find more comfortable. Molecular tests are often called PCR tests, short for polymerase chain reaction, the lab technique used to detect the virus's genetic material.

Antigen test: (rapid test) This type of diagnostic test is often called a "rapid test" because the turnaround time is much quicker than an RNA test. It's also cheaper to produce. As a result, antigen tests are being used to screen large numbers of people. From a patient's point of view, antigen testing works in much the same way as molecular testing. Your health care provider will swab the back of your nose or throat to collect a sample for testing. But instead of waiting days for your results, an antigen test can produce a result in an hour or less, says the FDA.