Health condition · plain-language reference

COVID-19 Testing

Also called: COVID-19 Antibody Test, COVID-19 Viral Test, SARS-CoV-2 Testing

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. There are two types of tests for this virus: A viral test tells you if you have a current infection. Viral tests can either be rapid tests or laboratory tests: Rapid tests can be done in minutes. They are often antigen tests, which look for specific proteins from the virus. Some rapid tests are self-tests which you can do at home. Laboratory tests can take days to complete and include PCR tests . An antibody (serology) test might tell you if you had a past infection. If you need a COVID-19 test, you can: Buy a self-test online or at a store. Make sure that the test you buy has been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Check your state or local health department's website for information on testing in your area. Contact your health care provider. Even if your COVID-19 viral test is negative (the test did not detect the virus), you should still take steps to protect yourself and others . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Plain-language summary from MedlinePlus (NIH/NLM) ↗. For informational purposes only — not medical advice.