Types of COVID Testing

Point of Care (PoC) Quick Facts

“Antigen Point of Care Testing” = Rapid Antigen Screening

• Differs from antibody and diagnostic [molecular] test
• Only to be used in asymptomatic individuals
  • Symptomatic individuals should seek a diagnostic test

Rapid testing not recommended for fully vaccinated individuals

• 1-3 x’s/week for unvaccinated
• Not useful in an ‘outbreak’ situation
• PoC antigen tests not required to conform to Laboratory and Specimen Collection Centre Licensing Act
• Positive result must be confirmed with a molecular test
• Cannot travel with a ‘negative’ rapid test result; must utilize a molecular method

Molecular Testing

Diagnostic test, viral test, molecular test, nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), RT-PCR test, LAMP test

• Nasal swabs, either shallow or deep (most tests) or Saliva (some tests)
  • • 1h
    • Same day
    • 24-72 h
• No further testing required
• Diagnoses active cases only
• Won’t identify prior infection

Antigen Testing

• Viral test, rapid test
• Nasal or nasopharyngeal swab (most tests)
• 15-30 min
• Positive results are usually highly accurate, but false positives occur. Confirm with molecular test.
• Indicates active COVID-19 infection.
• If you have early COVID-19 onset, or if you previously had COVID-19 (>90 d)

Antibody

• Serological test, serology, blood test, serology test
• Blood from a fingerstick or vein
• Not typically; indicates previous infection
  • Same day
  • 24-72 h
• Previous infection status
• Not a real-time confirmation tool

Costs of Testing