How Accurate Is Rapid COVID-19 Testing Compared to PCR?
Rapid COVID-19 Testing, also known as antigen tests, are generally less accurate than PCR tests, particularly in detecting the virus in asymptomatic individuals or in the early stages of infection. Rapid tests detect specific proteins from the virus and can deliver results within minutes, making them a useful tool for quick screening, especially in settings where timely results are crucial. However, they are more likely to produce false negatives, meaning they might miss an active infection.
PCR tests, on the other hand, are molecular tests that detect the virus's genetic material and are processed in a laboratory. They are highly sensitive and can detect even small amounts of the virus, making them the most accurate method for diagnosing COVID-19. Because of this high sensitivity, PCR tests are less likely to produce false negatives, making them the preferred method for confirming COVID-19, particularly if a rapid test result is negative but there is still a suspicion of infection.
