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COVID-19 PCR versus Serology Testing


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


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  • 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.

1. Usage

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2. What does a positive test mean?


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3. When is it helpful?


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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


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