You may remember how much we all talked about testing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sometimes, the different types of tests can be confusing. You may have wondered, "What test should I get?" or "Can this give me any information?" So today, let's talk about these COVID-19 tests in a simple way that you can understand. Just like talking to a friend.
What are the main types of tests available to detect COVID-19?
Simply put, there are two main types of viral tests to see if you have been infected with the coronavirus. We also call these "diagnostic tests" because they help to find out if you have the disease.
1. Molecular tests : This is what we often call a `(PCR)` test. This is a very sensitive test. This means that even if you have a very small amount of the virus in your body, this test can detect it. However, the results of this take a while to come. It can take a day or two.
2. Antigen tests : These are what we also call "rapid tests" because the results can be obtained very quickly, in a few minutes. However, these are not as sensitive as the `(PCR)` test. This means that if the amount of virus in the body is low at the beginning or end of the illness, this test can sometimes miss the virus.
Important: There is another test called an ``Antibody test``. It checks whether you have previously had COVID-19, or whether you have received the ``vaccine``. It is different from the two tests that check whether the virus we are talking about is present in the body at that time.
Is there always a best test?
It's really hard to say "this is the best test for every situation." Which test you need depends on several factors:
- How soon do you want results ?
- How important is it to get the most accurate result ?
- How easy and convenient it is to take the test.
This can sometimes make it difficult to decide which test to take. In such cases , your doctor can help you choose the test that is most appropriate for you or your child.
Which test is best when you have COVID-19 symptoms?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, both of these tests can help determine whether those symptoms are actually caused by COVID.
- Molecular tests:
These are very sensitive, and can detect even the smallest amount of virus in your nose or throat. This is the best option, especially if you want to know for sure whether you have been infected with the virus (for example, to get treatment). However, the results can take up to a day or two. Remember, if you need emergency treatment, this delay can be a problem.
- Antigen tests:
If you need a quick result, an antigen test is a good option. For example, parents may want to know quickly if a child has COVID-19 so they can isolate them and stop the spread of the disease to others in the household.
Usually, at the beginning or end of the illness, people who are infected with the virus have a lot of virus in their nose and throat. This is when they are most likely to spread the disease to others. At such times, the antigen test can be as sensitive as the ``(PCR)`` test.
However, if an antigen test shows that you are not infected with the virus (that is, if it is `negative`), sometimes a doctor may decide to do another antigen test, or to confirm that ``negative`` result with a ``molecular test``.
What if you don't have symptoms, but have been around someone who has COVID-19?
Both types of tests can help you see if you have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, even if you don't have symptoms. But the important thing here is that you should get tested at least 5 days after you've been exposed. If you get tested earlier, you may not be able to detect the virus because the amount of virus is low.
- Molecular tests:
Because these are more sensitive, they can detect infection even with very low levels of virus in the nose or throat. This makes them more accurate in people who are asymptomatic. This is because asymptomatic people usually have lower levels of virus in their bodies than people who are sick.
- Antigen tests:
If you want a quick result, this is also good. However, if the first test does not show infection (i.e., it is `negative`), taking a second test two days later will increase the chance of catching it when the virus levels are higher. This means that even if you don't catch it on the first day because the virus is low, you may catch it if you do it two days later.
About regular screening in schools and workplaces
We call this "screening" when we test people who are asymptomatic and don't know they've been exposed to the virus. This was often done in schools and workplaces during the pandemic. It was an important way to control the spread of infection.
- Although both types of tests were used for screening, the test that gave quick results was the most practical.
- So, when screening schools and workplaces, antigen tests were often used. They are quick, easy to use, and inexpensive.
- Since these were not as sensitive as ``Molecular tests'', they had to be done more frequently (for example, two or three times a week).
As COVID-19 infections across the country have slowed, these screening programs have been suspended. The decision to screen a school or workplace depends on how the COVID-19 infection rate is in that community. If infection rates increase again, schools may decide to screen groups of students who are at higher risk of infection (e.g., sports teams, music teams, drama teams). Or, they may screen before a big event like prom, or after the holidays.
Before you go to a party or gathering
During holidays or other celebrations, we gather in our homes, take off our masks, and eat and drink inside our homes. At times like these, getting a rapid test done before the event can help keep everyone safe and healthy. Imagine, if every guest coming to an event tests negative in a pre-taken antigen test, the chances of someone catching the virus and spreading it to others are very low.
When deciding whether or not to test, consider these things:
- How is the rate of spread of COVID-19 infections in your area?
- Are there people in your group who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill if they get COVID-19? (For example, young children, the elderly, people with other chronic illnesses, or people with weakened immune systems).
Final Take-Home Message
So, I hope you now have a better understanding of the COVID-19 test. In summary:
- `(PCR)` tests (Molecular tests) are very accurate, detecting even small amounts of the virus, but the results take time to come.
- Antigen tests are very quick, but can sometimes miss small amounts of virus.
- If you have symptoms , an antigen is better for quick detection, and a PCR is better for accurate confirmation.
- If you have been exposed without symptoms , wait at least 5 days before testing. `(PCR)` is more accurate, but if you need it sooner, do an antigen test and if it is `negative`, test again in two days.
- If you are ever in doubt or unsure about which test to take, the best thing to do is to consult your family doctor or a local health official. They can advise you on what is best for your situation.
Remember, we're doing all this to keep everyone safe. Got it? If you need to know anything else, just ask.
` Covid-19, Corona virus, PCR test, Antigen test, Rapid test, Symptoms, Covid tests, Sri Lankan medical articles
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