What Type Of Test Is Performed?

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests look for the presence of COVID-19 RNA. It’s not instant and it does require a lab to process the results, but it detects the virus early, before the presence of antibodies or symptoms. In the lab, we add an enzyme (DNA polymerase or reverse transcriptase) whose role is to create copies of the virus RNA (if present) in the sample so our equipment can detect it.

The PCR COVID test detects if you currently have COVID-19.

• A positive PCR test indicates a high probability of carrying COVID-19 (there are false positives). This way, you can take appropriate precautions to help prevent the spread of infection and prepare for COVID-19’s impact on you.
• If you have vaccine protection, you may develop no symptoms or mild ones.
• A negative COVID-19 test means you are probably not infected with the COVID-19 (there are some false negatives).