COVID-19 PCR versus Serology Testing

We now have two main types of tests for COVID-19.

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Testing: A viral test to detect whether they have SARS-CoV-2 in the present.

• Serology Testing (IgM/IgG RAPID): An antibody test to detect whether a person had SARS-CoV-2 virus in the past.

The following table shows the differences between PCR and serology testing.

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1. Usage

2. What does a positive test mean?

3. When is it helpful?

4. When it is not as helpful?

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Reference

- Dept. of Health Service, Texas, USA.

https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/docs/COVID19-PCRvsSerologyTesting.pdf