01
PCR test
PCR is the polymerase chain reaction test, which is our conventional nucleic acid test, and the test results are the most accurate.
Testing location: Various labs are available, such as urgent care and CVS. An appointment is required in advance. If you have symptoms, it is recommended to isolate at home until the results are available.
Result waiting time: 2-3 days
Cost: Free (if it is a close contact or symptoms appear, you can get tested for free, which varies slightly in different regions)
02
Antigen test
Antigen test, also known as an antigen test, can identify people who are currently infected with the coronavirus and are at the peak of infection. At this time, their virus concentration is relatively high. It can be used as a rapid way to detect active infection. Typically it will not be used for diagnosis, but it may be used to screen people to identify those who need more specific testing. The accuracy of the test will be lower than that of PCR.
In other words, if you just start to have symptoms and then do an Antigen test soon, the test results may be inaccurate and may be false negative.
Test Location: Various labs are available, such as urgent care and CVS. Advance reservation is required.
Result waiting time: 15 minutes
Cost: $100-$150 (fees vary in different regions and are generally not covered by insurance)
03
Antigen self-test kit
The principle of the Antigen self-test kit is the same as the second antigen test principle mentioned above. It just moves the laboratory to your home, so you can operate it yourself, and it is more economical. Affordable. However, the accuracy of the test results will also be lower than that of PCR.
Result waiting time: 15 minutes
Cost: $24-$26 per box, can be tested twice