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<p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">With Covid-19 still prevalent in many of our communities, testing remains as important as ever. It’s important to know which test is best for you and your family before making a decision about which to get. Read on to learn the <b>differences between rapid PCR vs RT-PCR testing</b>.</span></span></span></p>
<h2 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><b>The different types of Covid-19 tests</b></span></span></span></h2>
<p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><b>The rapid PCR test</b></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The <b>rapid PCR test</b> will detect a current Covid infection via nasal swab. It’s designed to detect genetic material belonging to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><b>PCR test results</b> can be processed onsite and are available the same day, which is perfect if you need to travel or get tested quickly.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><b>The RT-PCR Test</b></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The <b><a href="https://atulaya.com/services/covid-19/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">RT PCR test</a></b> is sometimes referred to as a ‘molecular’ test. Like the rapid PCR, this test is administered via nasal swab; however, it may also be a saliva or throat swab. This test is considered the gold standard of Covid tests and is highly accurate.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The sample from this test must be sent to a lab for processing, and results are typically available within three business days.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><b>Antigen Test</b></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><b>Antigen tests</b> use a different type of technology to detect Covid-19 and are designed to detect certain proteins located on the surface of the virus. This test looks at a sample of fluids that are collected from your sinus cavity or your throat.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><b>Antigen tests</b> are also known as ‘rapid tests’ and results are generally available within fifteen minutes. This test is known to have a higher rate of incorrect results than the <b><a href="https://atulaya.com/services/covid-19/" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank">RT PCR test</a></b>.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><b>Antibody Test</b></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The <b>antibody test</b> looks for a prior Covid-19 infection by way of the antibodies that your body develops in response to infection. It requires blood work done via finger stick or a blood draw. This test can either be sent to a lab for processing or processed onsite. This test is ideal if you want to know if your body has been exposed to the virus, but it should not be used to detect a current infection.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif""><b>The best test for you</b></span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">When looking at getting tested, the first step is to look at how quickly you need your results. The largest difference between the <b>rapid PCR vs RT-PCR and antigen test</b> is the timeframe.</span></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,"sans-serif"">The rapid antigen test provides results in fifteen minutes</span></span></span></li>
