You will usually receive your test results within 15-30 minutes when taking a rapid antigen test.

Once the sample has been collected, it is processed to determine the potential presence of SARS-CoV-2. It can take a great deal of spit, which some people, have trouble producing. The process can tickle and make you sneeze after, and reaching the nasopharynx requires going deep into the nostrils, which can feel uncomfortable. The swab is inserted a few inches through a nostril (depth of insertion depends on the sample type), twisted, and then removed. Many of these diagnostic test require an upper respiratory sample, such as a nasopharygeal swab or anterior nasal swab specimen. The process of obtaining a sample is typically the same for rapid tests and molecular tests. For the sake of this article, “rapid test” refers to the antigen tests. The FDA approved the use of a rapid PCR test, which uses the same genetic test but with quicker results. By comparison, most PCR test samples have to be sent to a lab for processing, and depending on the lab’s workload, it may take a few days to see your results. Samples could be processed within minutes, giving patients results within 15 to 30 minutes. Many antigen tests got the “rapid test” label because the results came so quickly. Related: How Quickly Can You Expect Results from a Rapid COVID-19 Test? On the other hand, molecular tests detect the genetic material of the coronavirus, oftentimes through a process known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These proteins are known as antigens, and they are what normally signal the immune system to produce antibodies. Rapid antigen tests look for unique proteins that are specifically found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Research is still underway to determine the role of antibodies in COVID-19 infections. Antibody tests are also common, detecting antibodies that may suggest you had the virus in the past, but antibody tests should not be used to identify current infections. Molecular tests, which include PCR tests and antigen tests, many of which are rapid antigen tests, are the two common diagnostic tests, meaning they identify current infections and infections from the recent past. What are rapid COVID-19 tests?ĬOVID-19 tests come in a few variations. Learn more about rapid antigen COVID-19 tests and the potential for false positives below. Rapid antigen tests are the preferred test for many, but some people question the accuracy of these tests.

Both PCR and rapid antigen tests offer the necessary information to patients and health officials alike, allowing them to track outbreaks and prepare for future pandemics. This is why it’s still important to track cases and provide accurate diagnoses, which is where testing continues to play a significant role. The risk that a fully vaccinated person could become infected is very low however, there are still plenty of people who aren’t yet vaccinated yet, particularly children under the age of 12. This doesn’t mean we’re completely clear just yet.

Daily case numbers and fatalities are dropping dramatically within the United States. Most importantly, we’ve developed effective vaccines that are seeing wider distribution with each passing day. Wearing masks has become common practice, and most people have a better idea of social distancing measures. We have passed the one-year mark since the COVID-19 pandemic initially started, and a lot has changed in that time, individually and within larger communities. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields. Medically reviewed by Everlywell Medical Communications & Publications Manager on June 11, 2021.

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