What's the difference between Rapid Test Antigen Swab and PCR Swab?

April 21, 2022
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What's the difference between Rapid Test Antigen Swab and PCR Swab?

Corona virus, which has still not decreased yet, has caused all meeting activities to be postponed. In some events, face-to-face meetings are allowed, but on condition that they have done a Covid-19 test beforehand.

People may feel confused about the various Covid-19 tests that are available, which one should you choose? The following will explain the differences in antigen test, and PCR swab rapid tests.

Antigen Rapid Test Swab

Similar to other rapid tests, this antigen rapid test can be identified quickly. Rapid antigen test itself is done through a nasal swab to look for parts of the body or specific proteins in germs or viruses. The sample is taken through the mucus in the nasal cavity (nasopharynx) or oral cavity (oropharynx) using a cotton swab.

The antigen rapid test will show a positive result even though is not Covid-19 virus, because it cannot assess the specifics of the virus. The results of the rapid antigen test are more precise than the antibody rapid test. However, to determine whether the body is contaminated with the Covid virus or not, a confirmation test using PCR is needed for more valid results. For accurate results from the antigen rapid test swab, you need to do the test at least 5 days after the symptoms of covid-19 appear.

PCR Swab

Swab is a method of taking samples using a cotton swab that is rubbed into the nasal cavity (nasopharynx) or oral cavity (oropharynx). The objective is to get a sample in the form of mucus from someone who wants to do the test. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) itself is a type of examination to detect the genetic pattern (DNA or RNA) of a cell, virus or germ. So, PCR can be done to detect the Covid-19 virus. PCR examination can also be done through a sample of saliva (saliva).

If you have symptoms of covid-19, such as high fever, runny nose, fever, cough, impaired sense of smell and tongue, and shortness of breath, then you need to do a PCR swab check to get a proper diagnosis of covid-19.

This test takes several hours, which is about 24 hours. So, it is recommended that you make sure of its use first. PCR swab has the highest level of accuracy to check whether there is COVID-19 in a person's body or not, which is around 80-90% accuracy.

This is information for those of you who want to do a Covid-19 test. We hope that you will be able to differentiate between the antigen rapid test swab and the PCR swab. Immediately detect the covid-19 virus so that early treatment of the covid-19 virus attack can be carried out immediately and the people around you are protected from the spread of the virus!

If you need a Covid 19 test, both Rapid Test Swab Antigen and Swab PCR, you can register by click here.