Diagnostic or PCR testing: This is the type of test used by doctors to diagnose people who currently have COVID-19. A sample of mucus is taken from a person's nose or throat and sent to a lab to look for the presence of the genetic material of COVID-19. The lab will use a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine to greatly amplify the viral genetic material if it is present. Results generally come back within several days. 

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Antibody Testing: Upon exposure to an infectious agent like a virus, your body will produce antibodies against the virus. These antibodies can arise over a week from the initial time of exposure to a virus, so this test cannot tell you if you currently have the virus or not. It is employed through a blood test (usually from your finger) and is used primarily to track the spread of COVID-19 through a population. Even if the tests detect the presence of antibodies in your blood, scientists are still not sure whether this can protect you from getting sick again. Results usually come back within a few minutes. 

 

Antigen Testing: This test is used to quickly detect people with active infections. It usually won't be used to diagnose if you have COVID-19, but can be used to screen people who need a more definitive test. In contrast to PCR testing, this test looks for viral proteins in nose or throat secretions instead of viral genetic material. Doctor's also use antigen testing to look for strep infections. Results usually come back within a few minutes. However, this test is used to quickly screen people in workplaces, hospitals, or other situations to identify whether someone is at risk to spread the disease. Physicians usually follow this test up with a PCR test. 

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