What’s the difference between a PCR and a Rapid antigen test?
16 September 2022
5min read time
Case Study
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At this point in the pandemic, you, or someone you know have probably had at least one COVID-19 test. But do you know what kind of test you got and the strengths and weaknesses of these different tests?
The two major types of COVID-19 tests
Two major types of tests are used to diagnose infection with Covid-19 better known as polymerase chain reaction(PCR) tests and rapid antigen tests. Each covid test detects a different part of the virus, and how it works influences the test’s speed and relative accuracy. So, what are the differences between these types of tests? The first step for either kind of test is to get a sample from the patient, and this can be a nasal swab or a bit of saliva.
What is a PCR Test?
It is a molecular test that analyses the upper respiratory system looking for genetic materials of Covid-19. PCR tests are effective as they can detect even the smallest amount of coronavirus genes in a patient’s sample.
How does a PCR Test Work?
Covid-19 is made up of a genetic material called RNA and when the virus enters your cells it uses the RNA material to replicate itself. With PCR only detecting DNA, the first step is to convert the RNA material into DNA using a reverse methodology. Once this process is done, chemicals are utilised to amplify the DNA for it to be read testing using the PCR tool. The amplifying property of PCR allows the test to successfully detect even the smallest amount of coronavirus genetic material in a sample. This makes it a highly sensitive and accurate test.
The weaknesses of the PCR Test
PCR tests can’t be performed by everyone. They require a skilled laboratory technician and special equipment to run them, and the amplification process can take an hour or more from start to finish. Usually only large, centralised testing facilities, like hospital labs can conduct many PCR tests at a time. Between the sample collection, transportation, amplification, detection, and reporting, it can take from 12 hours to five days for a person to get results back.
What is a Rapid Antigen Test?
Rapid antigen tests are much faster and easier to perform but are less sensitive than PCR tests. RATs can detect whether proteins of Covid-19 are present in your body. Antigen tests while much faster, are less accurate. If you are not producing symptoms at the time of the test, it can produce either false negative or false positive result.
How does a Rapid Antigen Test Work?
To run an antigen test, you first treat a sample with a liquid containing salt and soap that breaks apart cells and other particles. Then you apply this liquid to a test strip that has antibodies specific to Covid-19 painted on it in a thin line.
Just like antibodies in your body, the ones on the test strip will bind to any antigen in the sample. If the antibodies bind to coronavirus antigens, a coloured line appears on the test strip indicating the presence of Covid-19
Strengths and Weaknesses of Rapid Antigen Test
They are so easy to use that people with no special training can perform them and interpret the results. They also produce results quickly, typically in less than 15 minutes.
Antigen tests do have some drawbacks. Depending on the situation, they can be less accurate than PCR tests. When a person is symptomatic or has a lot of viruses in their system, antigen tests are very accurate. However, unlike PCR tests, antigen tests don’t amplify the thing they are looking for. This means there needs to be enough viral antigen in the sample for the antibodies on the test strip to generate a positive result, which means the antigen tests can miss early cases of COVID-19.
At Abco products, we stock several different rapid antigen test brands that are approved in Australia which are all very high sensitivity. All our rapid antigen tests can be purchased online
Understanding the strengths and limitations of both PCR and antigen tests, and when to use them is important. It can help to bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control. So, the next time you get a COVID-19 test, choose the one that is right for you. Get in contact with our team today by calling us on 1800 177 399 or email us at sales@abcopro.com.au
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