Lab Tabloid - Fall/Winter 2020 - 2

Covid Testing

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COVID-19 TESTING
An Explanation of COVID-19 Testing
There are three tests for COVID-19: PCR, Antigen, and Antibody.2 Each test is independently valuable; key differences are what they test for, and when they are used.3

MOLECULAR TEST

RAPID ANTIGEN TEST
(early to mid-stages of infection)

(blood/serology) pinprick test (mid-to-late states of infection)

* Identifies the virus before and during early
onset of symptoms (days 1-7); however,
accuracy falls after the first 7-10 days

* Identifies the virus after symptoms
have started (or should have started, if
asymptomatic) between days 5-10, but
declines in sensitivity after around 2 weeks

* Can be administered as early as 5 days after symptoms
have developed (around days 10-15), and thereafter, in
an appropriately authorized point-of-care setting

(early stage of infection)

* Test performed with a nasopharyngeal
swab

RAPID ANTIBODY TEST

* Test performed with a nasopharyngeal swab
* Simple to use at the point of care

* Requires an offsite lab or an expensive
piece of equipment; timing varies by
manufacturer

* Tests for two types of antibodies produced to fight
off the virus: IgM (produced early, and goes away) and
IgG (produced later, and is generally long-lasting)
* Most of the tests are authorized for use on venous
blood, serum, or plasma, and can be performed
by CLIA labs that meet requirements to perform
moderate or high complexity tests. Some are
authorized for use with fingerstick blood and
can be performed by a healthcare worker in an
appropriately authorized point-of-care setting.
All tests deliver results in 10-15 minutes.

2.Video for more information on testing: (https://henryschein.wistia.com/medias/bns18twg9i) 3.Two key terms to know for testing: " sensitivity " (can you detect); " specificity " (can you detect the 'right' virus).

COVID-19 Testing At-A-Glance
Molecular (Nasal)
Analyzes a sample taken via swab
from deep inside the nose or the
back of the throat
Taken at the early stages of
infection

Can tell whether a person currently
has the virus present, but not
whether a resolved patient
previously had the condition

Performed in an appropriately authorized point-of-care setting

Requires special equipment

Can be administered as early as 5 days after symptoms develop

Typically requires a lab

This type of serology testing,
when combined with other patient
information, can help providers
determine if a patient can proceed
with normal, daily life

Very accurate

Identifies antibodies in blood drawn from a finger stick by a
healthcare worker

RESULTS

Molecular test

Antibody (Serology/Blood)

10-15
minutes

Antigen (Nasal)
Identifies the virus after symptoms
have started (or should have started,
if the patient is asymptomatic)
Taken between days 5-10 for
best results

Performed with a
nasopharyngeal swab
Works in a point-of-care setting

Testing Options Available from:

Disclaimer:
These tests are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostic tests for detection
and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. Â§ 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.

2

henryschein.com/medical

20MS1291
https://henryschein.wistia.com/medias/bns18twg9i http://www.henryschein.com/medical
Lab Tabloid - Fall/Winter 2020

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