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Covid-19 Testing - Difference Between PCR and Antigen Testing
Technology
There are different types of technologies used to test for SARS-CoV-2:
PCR Test
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Detect viral RNA
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SARS-CoV-2 RNA is extracted from the sample (throat swab, nasal swab, or saliva sample)
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PCR—a type of nucleic acid amplification test—is then used to detect the viral genome

PCR Test
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Detect the antigen—in this case, viral proteins
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The saliva sample or nasal swab sample is added to a surface coated with antibodies that bind to specific viral proteins; this is used to create a signal that detects the virus

Accuracy
Accuracy takes into account sensitivity and specificity by measuring how the test can correctly identify if a sample is infected with SARS-CoV-2.



Turnaround Time
24 to 48 Hours
Rapid PCR Testing 3 Hours
1 Hour
Reference : Thermofisher
https://www.thermofisher.com/za/en/home/clinical/clinical-genomics/pathogen-detection-solutions/covid-19-sars-cov-2/pcr-antigen-testing-technologies.html
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