These tests most often use techniques called RT-PCR (reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction) or isothermal amplification. They were the first type of COVID test to be authorized and widely used. Molecular tests detect the presence of viral genetic material in a sample. Molecular tests are the most accurate type of COVID tests, rapid or not. The FDA has also authorized a rapid COVID breath test, but it’s not widely available yet. ![]() These tests work differently in how they detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID. There are two different types of rapid COVID tests available: And you can get results with these tests from the comfort of your home. You can also buy these tests without an order or prescription from a provider. What’s more, many rapid tests are available over the counter (OTC). They don’t need an outside laboratory to process. You can do rapid tests at point-of-care, like a testing site or a provider’s office. In general, most rapid tests provide results in 15 to 30 minutes. The fastest test currently available - ID NOW by Abbott - can detect the virus in 13 minutes or less. Compared to standard tests, rapid tests are often simpler. The key difference between rapid tests and standard laboratory tests is how long they take to process results.Īs the name suggests, rapid tests can produce fast results. Here we’ll cover the basics of rapid COVID tests, how fast they are, and the accuracy of the results. Rapid COVID tests are available at healthcare offices and the shelves of your local pharmacy or supermarket. ![]() But with fewer roadblocks and improvements in rapid testing, now you can get faster results. ![]() Early on, it sometimes took days to weeks to get test results. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 1 billion COVID tests have been performed in the U.S.
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