Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid (antigen) tests for COVID-19 both involve taking a swab. Results for a PCR test take longer, as it needs to go to a laboratory. It is more costly but tends to ...

We’ve been asked by readers whether a Covid-19 test can return a positive result if the person tested only has the common cold rather than Covid-19. This is based on the fact that the common cold can ...

Growing infection rates and the continuous spread of coronavirus variants increase the need for testing where contact between people takes place Pooling as a readily available, safe, and efficient ...

Last week, I was about to go on a date, and because I'm severely immunocompromised, we agreed he would take a COVID test using one of my rapid home molecular tests. It was a courtesy—he felt perfectly ...

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test detects genetic material from a pathogen or abnormal cell sample. Ways of collecting samples include a nasal swab, a saliva swab, or taking a sample of blood.

A PCR test is often considered the gold standard for detecting coronavirus infection. It’s the test some employers want employees to take before returning to work after having Covid-19, and the one ...

Early in the pandemic, the message from governments of all levels was crystal clear: If you have symptoms, get a PCR test. While that still largely holds true, rules about who should get tested and ...

Incorrect. Covid-19 diagnostic tests are not perfect, but they won’t misdiagnose other coronaviruses as the virus which causes Covid-19. A post on Facebook makes a number of claims about the Covid-19 ...

A widely shared claim on social media has brought the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's decision to retire its PCR test for COVID-19 back into the spotlight. "CDC Withdraws Use of PCR Test ...

Northwestern scientists have created the fastest-ever hepatitis C diagnostic, delivering accurate results in only 15 minutes. The test uses the DASH rapid PCR system, originally developed for COVID, ...