COVID-19 Tests: Diagnostic Vs. Antibody Tests

Types of COVID-19 Tests

Dayna Fischer

It’s August and there is a pandemic, which has made the dog days of summer even doggier. I just heard a story that is probably all too frequent this summer. A friend’s colleague had plans to go to a family reunion this month. As a health care worker, she decided to get tested beforehand even though she was not experiencing symptoms. Her test came back positive.

Traveling and gathering in large groups greatly increases the risk of community transmission of COVID-19, and an event like a family reunion is not recommended. Fortunately, she didn’t attend the reunion and prevented the risk of spreading the virus to her family.

COVID-19 testing is possible thanks to technology and amazing scientists. If you are wondering if, and when you should get tested, what type of tests are available, and how to get one, you’re not alone.

Different Types of Coronavirus Tests

There are two types of COVID-19 tests, diagnostic tests and molecular tests.

1. Diagnostic Test

Diagnostic tests determine if a person currently has coronavirus. There are two types of diagnostic tests.

Molecular Test

Molecular tests are usually administered through a nasal or throat swab. Tests given by a health professional are usually taken with a nasal swab and can be processed on location or in a lab. Results can be produced within a few hours to a few days, depending on the style of test.

At-home tests can be collected through a saliva sample or nasal swab. The quality of the tests are nearly the same; however, according to the CDC, accuracy depends on the quality of the sample that is provided. Samples from home tests are not always good, which can produce an inaccurate result. At-home tests are available with the recommendation of a doctor.

Antigen Test

The second type of diagnostic test is an antigen test. This test is also administered with a nose or throat swab. An antigen test detects certain proteins that are a part of coronavirus. The good news is that antigen tests are fast and can produce results within minutes, but are less sensitive than molecular tests and can produce inaccurate results.

2. Antibody Test

Antibody tests determine if a person was infected by COVID-19 at some point in the past. People who have completely recovered from a coronavirus infection, and people who could have had the virus unknowingly, and were recommended by a doctor to receive an antibody test are the target population for antibody tests.

Antibody testing is important for research and provides valuable information about the disease. Antibodies are proteins that the immune system produces to help fight off disease and can help prevent further infection. If antibodies appear on the test, it means the person may have had the virus, and could have developed some immunity toward the disease. However, according to the World Health Organization, there is currently not enough evidence to show how a person becomes immune and for how long.

Conclusion
Testing regulations can differ depending on your location. If you are interested in getting a COVID-19 test, check your local health department website, HHS.org, or with your primary care doctor to learn more about how and where to get a test in your area. Please follow public safety guidelines, such as wearing a mask in public, physical distancing, and washing your hands frequently. Stay safe and smart.

In good health. MT

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