Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid (antigen) tests for COVID-19 both involve taking a swab. Results for a PCR test take longer, as it needs to go to a laboratory. It is more costly but tends to ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. For any American wondering if they have Covid-19, there are two kinds of tests available: polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ...

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test detects genetic material from a pathogen or abnormal cell sample. Ways of collecting samples include a nasal swab, a saliva swab, or taking a sample of blood.

Researchers often call the polymerase chain reaction test – known as the PCR test – "the gold standard" for detecting the COVID-19 virus. The test is considered highly reliable and effective, and it ...

Ducharme is a contributor to TIME. Ducharme is a contributor to TIME. If you had COVID-19 symptoms in 2020, you probably would have masked up and braved a visit to a laboratory, doctor’s office, or ...

In a recent study posted to the Lancet preprint* server, researchers assessed the utility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapid antigen testing (RAT) for patient triage ...