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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

  • Detect viral RNA

  • SARS-CoV-2 RNA is extracted from the sample (throat swab, nasal swab, or saliva sample)

  • PCR—a type of nucleic acid amplification test—is then used to detect the viral genome

TF pcr-tests.webp
PCR Test

  • Detect the antigen—in this case, viral proteins

  • 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

TF antigen-tests.webp
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.

TF Accuracy PCR.png
TF Accuracy AG.png
TF Accuracy AG.png
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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