Everything You Need to Know About COVID-19 Tests
Widespread testing and tracing are crucial to managing the spread of COVID-19, but there are several different kinds of tests that each have a specific use.
We spoke to David Louis, MD, chief of Pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital, Anthony John Iafrate, MD, director of the Center for Integrated Diagnostics, and Eric Rosenberg, MD, director of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, to get the scoop on each type of test and why they are important for patients and clinicians.
If you’ve been thinking about getting tested for COVID-19, check out facts below to learn about which one may be right for you.
[ultimate_heading main_heading=”PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test” alignment=”left” main_heading_margin=”margin-bottom:20px;” sub_heading_margin=”margin-bottom:20px;” margin_design_tab_text=”” sub_heading_line_height=”desktop:28px;”]Tests for an active SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19.[/ultimate_heading][rd_lists_ctn style=”rd_list_1″][rd_list title=”Method of analysis:”]The test uses an amplification process to detect the presence of viral RNA in the airway of the nose and throat (collected via nasal swab).[/rd_list][rd_list title=”When it is used:”]When a patient is being evaluated for an active SARS-CoV-2 infection. The test is most accurate when administered within the first week after symptoms begin.[/rd_list][rd_list title=”Why it is important:”]It provides confirmation of a SARS-CoV-2 infection, which allows clinically useful guidance for the patient and health officials[/rd_list][rd_list title=”Limitations:”]The PCR test provides evidence of active viral infection in the respiratory tract. Occasionally, this test may need to be performed twice to definitively rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection. It may come back negative for individuals who are later in their disease course and does not provide evidence of more distant past exposure.[/rd_list][/rd_lists_ctn]
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[ultimate_heading main_heading=”Serology Tests” alignment=”left” main_heading_margin=”margin-bottom:20px;” sub_heading_margin=”margin-bottom:20px;” margin_design_tab_text=”” sub_heading_line_height=”desktop:28px;”]Unlike PCR tests, which only diagnose active infection, serology tests provide evidence of viral exposure after the initial infection. However, it is not known how long a serologic test will remain positive after initial infection. Serology testing can provide an estimate of how many people have been exposed to COVID-19.[/ultimate_heading]
[ultimate_heading main_heading=”ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) Test” alignment=”left” margin_design_tab_text=”” sub_heading_line_height=”desktop:28px;”][/ultimate_heading][rd_lists_ctn style=”rd_list_1″][rd_list title=”Method of analysis:”]Examines blood for SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies.[/rd_list][rd_list title=”When it is used:”]To see if an individual has developed antibodies in response to exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.[/rd_list][rd_list title=”Why it is important:”]The ELISA test not only indicates the presence of antibodies, but can provide details on the levels of each different type of antibody – this creates a more complete picture of the body’s overall immune response.[/rd_list][rd_list title=”Limitations:”]Because it takes the body time to develop antibodies to a virus, a serology test may come back negative during the early days of infection even if the virus is present.[/rd_list][/rd_lists_ctn]
[ultimate_heading main_heading=”POC (Point of Care) Test” alignment=”left” main_heading_margin=”margin-bottom:25px;” margin_design_tab_text=”” sub_heading_line_height=”desktop:28px;”][/ultimate_heading][rd_lists_ctn style=”rd_list_1″][rd_list title=”Method of analysis:”]Examines blood for SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies.[/rd_list][rd_list title=”When it is used:”]To see if an individual has developed antibodies in response to exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The POC test only indicates the presence or absence of antibodies, not the relative levels of each.[/rd_list][rd_list title=”Why it is important:”]POC tests are portable, can be performed in a variety of settings (workplace, urgent care clinics, etc.) and provide rapid results.[/rd_list][rd_list title=”Limitations:”]Because it takes the body time to develop antibodies to a virus, a serology test may come back negative during the early days of infection even if the virus is present. Since a POC test can only confirm the presence (or absence) of antibodies, it may not provide a full picture of the body’s immune response.[/rd_list][/rd_lists_ctn]
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COVID-19 Research at Mass General
Researchers and clinicians at Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute are mobilizing to develop new strategies to diagnose, treat and prevent COVID-19. Learn more.