PCR Test Vs. Rapid Antigen Test, what are the difference?

Today, COVID-19 testing is relied on when it comes to enforcing safety measures during the pandemic. It is used to prevent further outbreaks of the virus, and it identifies infected people who may need immediate care to mitigate the risks and threats of COVID-19.

There are currently two types of diagnostic tests that can determine cases of COVID-19 during the pandemic, the RT-PCR test and the Rapid Antigen test.

PCR Test

PCR Tests or the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test identifies the virus’s genetic material used to determine active infection cases. PCR swab test is considered the most sensitive test, producing the most accurate results.Individuals can take the test such as PCR Test Glasglow if they feel like they have the virus, or if a doctor advised them to take one.

Getting tested is necessary to safely resume work or travel to other places as it becomes essential to certify your safety from the virus through a fit-to-fly COVID test in Glasgow.

Antigen Test or Rapid Antigen Test

Known for its quick turnaround time of results that takes 20 to 30 minutes, the Rapid Antigen Test is a high demand, a preferable option for testing many people. This type of COVID-19 testing identifies specific fragments of the virus, with results that are usually highly accurate. However, there are cases that it detects false positives.

For more details about the differences between a PCR test and a Rapid Antigen Test, here is an infographic created and designed by Harley Medic International.