Coronavirus: COVID-19 tests you can get; find out which one is the most accurate

Since the beginning of the pandemic, coronavirus tests have become an important tool in diagnosing and detecting the SARs-COV-2 virus. Whether you come down with a fever or experience a sniffle, COVID-19 tests are the best way to differentiate between a cold/flu or the novel coronavirus.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, coronavirus tests have become an important tool in diagnosing and detecting the SARs-COV-2 virus. Whether you come down with a fever or experience a sniffle, COVID-19 tests are the best way to differentiate between a cold/flu or the novel coronavirus.

Also read: Coronavirus: Will my rapid antigen test or RT-PCR tell me if I have Omicron?

Unlike the first and the second wave, many experts believe that the recent cases of COVID-19 are considerably milder and need no intensive care or hospitalisation. Most symptoms have shown a staggering resemblance to a common cold or a flu, which is why people are resorting to self-isolation and managing infections at home.

However, some continue to be negligent and because the symptoms are less severe, they assume they have a cold and rather than staying home and taking preventive measures, they step out and let the virus run free.

According to Professor Tim Spector, head of UK's ZOE Covid study app, people experiencing mild cold-like symptoms should get themselves tested immediately, rather than taking them for granted.

Also read: Coronavirus: How accurate are at-home COVID-19 tests? Can it detect the Omicron variant? Here's all you need to know

Earlier, amid increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in England, he said, "In London, where Covid is increasing rapidly, it’s far more likely to be Covid than it is to be a cold. We’re seeing doubling in the numbers equivalent to what’s being seen elsewhere, every two-and-a-half days, and that really means numbers are going up.”

That said, running standard tests to diagnose your condition is the need of the hour. Not only does it detect the virus in an early stage, but also curbs further spread of the virus.

Coronavirus tests are a useful tool in detecting the SARs-COV-2 virus in our system. These tests help detect and confirm active symptomatic or asymptomatic cases and leave no space for confusion. Besides, COVID tests also facilitate quick and immediate treatments, making sure that the spread of the virus is contained.

There are two types of COVID-19 tests, which are diagnostic tests and antibody tests. While diagnostic tests detect active coronavirus infections from the nasal and throat swabs taken from people, antibody testing helps determine if your body has already encountered the virus. Let us take a look at the available COVID-19 tests in detail.

A molecular test, also known as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing is a diagnostic test that is the most accurate and reliable. However, this type of test may take a very long time to deliver results, sometimes upto 5 days. This is because a PCR test undergoes a series of specialized, often expensive diagnostic processes, which leaves no room for false negatives.

Molecular tests require samples from the nose or the mouth that are likely to contain the virus. There are basically two ways of doing it. One way is through the collection of nasal and mouth swabs, whereas the other way is by collecting the saliva sample, wherein the person concerned will have to spit in a tube.

In case of nasal or mouth swab, a healthcare provider will first insert a giant Q-tip in your nostrils and then deep in your throat until any resistance is met and then will swirl it around for a bit. When they get the samples, they'll send it to the lab for diagnosis.

Diagnostic experts will detect genetic material (DNA or RNA) specific to the pathogen, isolate it and determine which type of the virus it is.

Unlike Molecular PCR testing, rapid antigen tests are prompt in delivering results. It uses a technology that traces the protein in the virus strain and instantly reveals whether a person is infected or not.

However, compared to molecular or PCR testing, an antigen test may not be as accurate, as it only looks for the protein or molecules that are found on the virus’s surface and not the entire virus RNA. This in turn increases the chances of false negatives/positives in antigen tests.

Antibody tests or serology tests are a type of blood test that help detect whether you have had COVID-19 in the past. However, an antibody test does not detect an active coronavirus infection, rather detects the presence of the viral particle, several days after an infection. Therefore, this type of test is only recommended 14 days after symptoms onset.

At-home COVID-19 testing kits are like rapid antigen tests that deliver results in no time. It takes upto 15-30 minutes to get your results at the comfort of your home. However, just like antigen tests, there are chances of false negative or positive results, which is why experts recommend taking an RT PCR test, if you have come in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case or experience coronavirus-specific symptoms.

If in case you get a positive COVID result, it is essential that you self-isolate for at least a week at max, after showing symptoms. Make sure you take all necessary measures such as wearing your masks, sanitizing your hands and the surfaces regularly and keeping away from other individuals.