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1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 5 (from laksa196)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa005.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html","crawl_time":1774041662,"first_indexed_time":1725160830,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"gov,cdc!www,\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html s443","src_root_hash":"17308952984333333205","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 | COVID-19 | CDC","meta_descriptions":["Learn about the tests available for COVID-19, their differences, and health equity in testing."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"August 29, 2024\nFor Health Care Providers\nThis overview describes current information on the types of tests used to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection and their intended uses. This information is intended for use by healthcare providers, public health professionals, and those organizing and implementing testing in non-healthcare settings.\nTest types\nResource\nInformation for the general public on COVID-19 testing is also\navailable\n.\nViral tests\n, including nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and PCR tests, as well as antigen tests, are used as diagnostic tests to\ndetect current infection\nwith SARS-CoV-2, determine the need for prevention measures, and inform a person's medical care.\nViral tests\nNucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are highly sensitive and highly specific tests that detect one or more viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) genes. PCR tests are the most common type of NAAT used for COVID-19 testing. Viral RNA may stay in a person's body for up to 90 days after they test positive. Therefore, NAATs should not be used to test someone who has tested positive in the last 90 days. Most NAATs need to be performed in a laboratory, although some are performed at the point-of-care. Most NAATs produce qualitative (positive\/negative) results.\nAntigen tests are immunoassays that detect the presence of specific viral proteins, called antigens. A positive test indicates current infection. Antigen tests generally have high specificity, similar to NAATs, but are less sensitive than most NAATs. Because antigen tests have lower sensitivity,\nFDA recommends\nthat negative antigen tests be repeated up to three times, with each test 48 hours apart to confirm a negative result. Most antigen tests are less expensive than NAATs and can provide results in minutes. Antigen tests are available for at-home testing (self-testing), at the point of care, or in a laboratory.\nAs noted in the labeling for authorized over-the-counter antigen tests: Negative results should be treated as presumptive (meaning that they are preliminary results). Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. Please see\nFDA guidance\non the use of at-home COVID-19 antigen tests.\nOther diagnostic tests may be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 from non-traditional respiratory specimens, such as breath. These tests' results may be presumptive and require confirmation by NAAT. Please refer to\neach test's Instructions for Use (IFU\n) for specific interpretation.\nPositive viral test results\nindicate current infection and the person with COVID-19 should take steps to\nprevent spreading\nCOVID-19 to others.\nNegative viral test results\nmean the test did not detect the virus, but this doesn't rule out that the person could have an infection. These results represent a snapshot of the time around specimen collection and could change if the same test was performed again in one or more days. Negative antigen test results should be repeated following\nFDA guidance\n.\nAntibody (or serology) tests\nare used to\ntest for the presence of antibodies\nfrom previous infection or vaccination and can aid in fulfilling the case definition for\nmultisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)\nand\nadults (MIS-A)\n.\n1\nAntibody testing does not diagnose current infection. Antibody testing is primarily used for public health surveillance and epidemiologic purposes. Antibody tests detect specific antibodies that target different parts (nucleocapsid or spike protein) of the virus. Detection of anti-nucleocapsid antibody indicates SARS-CoV-2 infection, while anti-spike protein antibody may be induced by COVID-19 vaccination or by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This should be considered when choosing whether to test for antibodies originating from past infection versus those from vaccination.\nCOVID-19 Test Monitoring\nFDA continually monitors the accuracy of COVID-19 tests. Their\nwebsite\nprovides up-to-date information on the impact of viral mutations on COVID-19 tests. See FDA's list of\nIn Vitro Diagnostics Emergency Use Authorizations\nfor more information about the performance and interpretation of specific authorized tests.\nDiagnostic testing\nT\nesting individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19\nPositive test results using a viral test (NAAT, antigen or other tests) in individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 indicate that the person has COVID-19. A negative antigen test in individuals with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should be repeated following FDA recommendations or confirmed by NAAT.\nAdditionally, consider other illnesses with similar symptoms that may require testing. For many diseases, including flu, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can be important for preventing severe illness.\nAnyone who tests positive should take steps to\nprevent spreading\nCOVID-19 to others or, if in a healthcare setting, be placed on\nappropriate precautions\n. Some people should receive\ntreatment\n. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home.\nVaccination and SARS-CoV-2 testing\nVaccination does not affect the results of someone's SARS-CoV-2 NAAT, antigen, or other diagnostic tests.\nThe main effect of vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 testing is related to antibody testing. Because mRNA\nCOVID-19 vaccines\nuse the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to generate an immune response, a positive serologic (antibody) test for spike protein IgM\/IgG could indicate either previous infection or vaccination.\nAntibody testing is not currently recommended to assess a person's protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 following COVID-19 vaccination or prior infection, or to assess the need for vaccination in an unvaccinated person. Antibody testing can be used in the diagnosis of\nMultisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)\nor\nMultisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults (MIS-A)\n.\nTo evaluate for evidence of previous infection in a vaccinated individual, use an antibody test specifically evaluating IgM\/IgG to the nucleocapsid protein. For example, specific antibody tests can be used for public health surveillance.\nTable 1. NAAT and Antigen Test* Differences\nNAATs\nAntigen Tests*\nIntended Use\nDiagnose\ncurrent\ninfection\nDiagnose\ncurrent\ninfection\nAnalyte Detected\nViral ribonucleic acid (RNA)\nViral antigens\nSpecimen Type(s)\nNasal, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, sputum, saliva\nNasal, nasopharyngeal\nSensitivity\nVaries by test, but generally high for laboratory-based tests and moderate-to-high for point-of-care (POC) tests\nLess sensitive than NAATs. Varies by test and depending on the course of infection+*\nSpecificity\nHigh\nHigh\nTest Complexity\nVaries by test\nRelatively easy to use\nAuthorized for Use at the Point of Care\nMost are not, some are\nMost are, some are not\nTurnaround Time\nMost 1–3 days; some are rapid with results in 15 minutes\nRanges from 15 minutes to 30 minutes\nCost\/Test\n~$75-$100\/test\n~$5-$50\/test\nAdvantages\nMost sensitive test method available\nShort turnaround time for NAAT POC tests, but few available\nUsually does not need to be repeated to confirm results\nShort turnaround time (approximately 15 minutes) ◊\nCost-effective\nSome can be performed at home, or anywhere else\nDisadvantages\nLonger turnaround time for lab-based tests (1–3 days)\nHigher cost per test\nAfter an infection has ended, and the risk of transmission has passed, people may have detectable RNA and test positive for up to 90 days\nNegative tests should be confirmed by NAAT or repeated as\nrecommended by FDA\nLess sensitive (more false negative results) compared to NAATs, especially among asymptomatic people and with some variants\nNotice\n* As noted in the labeling for authorized over-the-counter antigen tests: negative results should be treated as presumptive (meaning that they are preliminary results). Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. Please see\nFDA guidance\n on the use of at-home COVID-19 antigen tests.\n† The decreased sensitivity of antigen tests might be offset if the POC antigen tests are repeated more frequently.\n◊ Refers to point-of-care antigen tests only.\nHealth Equity in SARS-CoV-2 testing\nSocial determinants of health may influence access to testing. For example, travel time may limit access to, and use of, testing services for those who have limited access to transportation and who live in areas with fewer public transit services and schedules. Racial and ethnic disparities in test site distribution have been found\n2\n. Other factors that may affect both access to, and use of, testing services include:\nLack of health insurance\nConcern about the costs or co-pays\nOccupational factors such as not being able to take time off work and lack of paid leave\nLack of accessible options for people with disabilities, and\nDistrust of the government and healthcare systems\n3,4,5,6\nDelays in testing may also delay seeking care and treatment (when sick) as well as delays in prevention measures that could reduce the spread of the virus to others.\nOne component to move toward greater health equity is ensuring availability of resources, including access to testing for populations who have experienced longstanding, systemic health and social inequities. All population groups, including racial and ethnic minority groups, should have equal access to affordable, quality, and timely SARS-CoV-2 testing—with fast turnaround time for results. Efforts should be made to address barriers that might overtly or inadvertently create inequalities in testing.\nIn addition, completeness of race and ethnicity data is an important factor in understanding the impact the virus has on racial and ethnic minority populations. When possible, healthcare providers and public health professionals should ask and record race and ethnicity for anyone receiving a reportable test result and ensure these data are reported with the person’s test results to facilitate understanding the impact of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic minority populations.\nSome strategies to achieve health equity in testing access and availability include:\nUse a\nsocial vulnerability index\nto assist in selecting testing sites.\nIncrease the availability of free testing sites in communities. Employers, community-based, and faith-based organizations can be important partners to increase the number of free, community-based testing sites. This expansion ensures that wait times both for testing and reporting of results are decreased.\nIncrease accessible and culturally appropriate public messaging about the importance of testing and communicate these messages in multiple accessible formats, languages, and venues, particularly in communities at higher risk and disproportionately impacted by the virus.\nReferences\nMorris SB, Schwartz NG, Patel P, et al.\nCase Series of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection – United Kingdom and United States, March-August 2020\n.\nMMWR\nMorb Mortal Wkly Rep\n. 2020;69(40):1450-1456. Published 2020 Oct 9. doi:10.15585\/mmwr.mm6940e1\nDalva-Baird NP, Alobuia WM, Bendavid E, Bhattacharya J.\nRacial and ethnic inequities in the early distribution of U.S. COVID-19 testing sites and mortality\n.\nEur J Clin Invest\n. 2021;51(11):e13669. doi:10.1111\/eci.13669\nEconomic Policy Institute.\nBlack Workers Face Two of the Most Lethal Preexisting Conditions for Coronavirus—Racism and Economic Inequality\n[online]. 2020 [cited 2020 Jun 28].\nBerchick, Edward R., Jessica C. Barnett, and Rachel D. Upton Current Population Reports, P60-267(RV),\nHealth Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2018\n,\nGovernment Printing Office, Washington, DC, 2019.\nInstitute of Medicine (US) Committee on the Consequences of Uninsurance.\nCare Without Coverage: Too Little, Too Late\n.\nWashington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2002.\nInstitute of Medicine (US) Committee on Understanding and Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care, Smedley BD, Stith AY, Nelson AR, eds.\nUnequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care\n. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2003.\nAugust 29, 2024","attrs_markdown":"[Skip directly to site content](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#content) [Skip directly to search](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#cdc-search__input) [Skip directly to On This Page](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#first-on-this-page)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/TemplatePackage\/5.0\/img\/uswds\/us_flag_small.png) An official website of the United States government\n\n[Here's how you know](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#gov-notice)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/TemplatePackage\/5.0\/img\/uswds\/icon-dot-gov.svg)\n\n**Official websites use .gov**\n\nA **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.\n\n![](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/TemplatePackage\/5.0\/img\/uswds\/icon-https.svg)\n\n**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**\n\nA **lock** (  ) or **https:\/\/** means you've safely connected to the .gov website. 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VBKJWj51d3wSxrWntI4kvpk1rYsVw0AfCEGFvFNQBJSjpVAuRjYUCW3LRGuKPNSGy9ltMYmiaHptC4aundwrLAlg64sDKH4jEU2qUeESQ8AKQt9IS\/b1uIzI8RLlp2JBJavZ1+95EtTJ0nDVS\/LiVZC2ZWuBAR4QeG5cT4ApTxniXnEmmlOdGXVvzT7neSNmf2++exzlLV9HaSFta7AFstXtFkIJ6hhddNYa0pwTKs2LxP3E9xJlm+uw65JvI7GzeZrv6uS8m8MycQBkd0hAS2flCy0GdshN69SbgkHBXDuOkdpR+bka4sOtzUiSvaBzaZmeU2HsqitWYnWILNV2lnVdYLF2gEWLWBviElKA0O3Pjs\/s9kXJqeTuRiTCvQPms3Cpm6lqbHGo\/XNQVcm2rgzfux1Y2vCLxcKr0i\/PZws24E1PzqZ63ysiB2bD02jKGtnyxRqvXKyFfuhIptXCvpCRwVRSil6NiCziNOJkjrd0aNrGs7XXcq31i1dOASudNpgGqCxUzVoPVCnDHEOA0BShqxSmVftpSnNNdiXBH1j4JGWc7E3cpLn69g0gIL8oJKzarYXEAVfD7zLXU+AxPACsC46R2j3AltunNS63OLnFluVjpZ5Td7cekrhpjZ71RLBk8vaIO7pJd2zQVVWLHOe+EdnbgTD6NcFIxciZbmpq2pszbym9Gw7S4JWJ6yyFK+1M80BGi8IEZe\/gnEsCE8RU7rxP3KA\/b3QHjxDrWXbbOQ324mrkq+qWiUrTO8xVUGmEWjFgo\/oDRXhbHihKUI6\/wLlc9UeOzb5KONnobRUy2p+Z2tlaYpm2fiTTVhpZ1YWDfo0WMPbUHDAJVfCaOROMMdog7sfnbkNnj0ndvljYXOZ2XUw5L3ZQFhi6YsFh91hmqvHiFHFVfsXEif94z+kzY\/wCL4n+X2Fr9zsuJCuJk2zC52O28+uWV3NEu3sHLHGki6agMkxq58xVVw+0KMvZx9qBiSkV+8UfrvHgCqWpRfuUB+4kqSlKxtJ5IvaPyyhlvglf1TSiTktfzdN0si0WsJWu5t112iqko9grJZJZAmK8CYLvY9ksm8d47j3a9u9Fxn6NlFxYLUuyLPDmL1sJPSQGiiseOPGjpB+ex\/Y7MSZeCknfKuJKjmdTbfMFjtzUq1MpSJ7dZGFXJtq4DQeEtNV2pPiCgXCqjpB+BLZkTYky8FJO9ubjzOptvmCuLm1Mu2ClInt1kaM9msDQeEtFmqpOOCBcA1ZGPXs9RN9uU\/wD2byl+p\/8AnhZ1v3\/+U+L\/AMl+LhVTR+jo2FHZ5ns07lXLco5L5W3tc02tTIL+CzIl8640B2fwJpu1+7Dw1Y6SuSJwPjsxOdbjcq4bKOZ0zzNsNzmHWplXvhjRrDI09YNK+ljmbvs8IU4CjuwtcSGEpz3KU2zC5nvJL\/kLMMs0cxNn660kpF5uoDEW0M2WYrrXtu2bVrwJELgNFJ3X7kmcRpwHmKiLvuCSrZ2Y4mkEsvf1RwFpf8xVEnLbKyC4tEn9YfcW7YPAJKEIB8HPgTJdHaIMFI1wd57aXpOmNPcK46+VuqYVk7oqwjq6syUHxDThYxRhWlCLUd2cWbFpejZe6PDfU9GeRjZDb79XGasa9db6VVa8uARbVbBaEEdQCbmNwOCUY8NWKTuv29biNOL08URdiQSWrO6IP6QS1MnScBXU\/PWYlC2ZWuBVVzpB8NyyLwBEngEBJZJZAmK8CYLvY9ksm8d47j3a9u9Fxn6NlFxYLUuyLPDmL1sJPSQGiiseOPAp6MZRcSNLiPHLquysay7bZyfM1898HK920cuLbI7BFBgcDCkE9sYjHCs3FCcElfquSJx7+X8lTjcxeXX7ZYf6m2GRuPP9JU8zaRoMnl7SysdMI7tu2KmoKU7k\/wCoV92t6nf82uYP2cfvb8XWfrGo5u77ntvo\/nIDQLksjtz2bbpvZLJy6luiLlt2ulvRTa\/wCmaYpd6Wfn\/rCk7pJB7ygdRYeBScWTp+5HH7V5tpSVzRnbY1d4q2SsbXukq6gHxL55xi9mjFpYT7Ck2sfxIQESGrMrC2U6XJ+4bQzmKYWswSbOsbMUs00lfl9aJJOX+oqDMW2tqC4cSLrCRlsMAYgSlCCuVzntFeBLsxYcDyuJMds7zAi32Z+jaKuHkMzyQ2lXWLyuWNT7cJdGN4ysSEJ4AUd2ZV+5gnEe6JkhUEcrG1+8hzFXdykj21kjkksrptQoCou5lTJWw9uENrHEzEdCUislklkCYrwJgu9j2Sybx3juPdr270XGfo2UXFgtS7Is8OYvWwk9JAaKKx448T+8S9Kc9c2LoxMjxNPzsdt58\/vtd2O0nbyeWZqCWd01XAwyswJQegFFNnEeKBpTw1ZlfRjOJDpxIbQzho+msxtbOsZJS005X3vaOJOM6hy0JUZuSUxjF4hIv4YIxGlCOAlV4opOJE+U50YZt9u7YeSCef2+pZU5d3hrDSQctdQAAls\/KFloF1BGXqsA0JRhxav39f9dncCjxTBSnQWft0YvQHj\/u124Q5\/YkH9qtJQtaqShXaPnq0WMwWJhpq51wmYUWQUoShKCv7xR+u8eAf8LZfX7l9cRmRel1gBsR5Fq9vOD+6iWpuWk4auoeerZgy1PLFnHLnRD1blkftChKFVME8TiRFmxiowJtodbtglCHQ7LwaucobI1VmlDF2qggK20s6uAVy\/akyxRV4QJFwqozTiv20pTpdG\/HhT5lO3Erd2+3fuEsbXtPaRYGd3SqRcVbBiCjOggFy3SOpAk8NWFsLX7iK\/bMXV1haNNqxr3M2JuaJWNkXSRoZHlCBhZjSzrKAhV7bGxjdNwNRwCAiIy\/WUgTCONc6s9m3Nx6\/tpmcsM5Yy64BWW+szUl1VWFYXUAjCrAOOAkparn+kXgTCiO0PoKQUaOzpbnO1bU2nZXGhrObUxLJPRWVYS+r2WgYaHwjFXXinAtCEcT+8UnTiPs4josCA65rLyNnP7EeC2cr82rRyBtHtVo9BbB0ksJpfXSjOYVAxSlHF\/vFME\/bN9JO6MB2BH\/WXbbOf3A4u1SVfQbTAQtKvmIy7i1fMSk\/pjRbwtixQnDgJVilLU4kxs2LTl1iXG7Ro2saznXz20cscwbrNAtl9gSaWqMnT1MkBPhMTmca04DQlCSvkXHabiRPnW4D056JMVPtAZmRUyt66Y2MszOsaYUrs3JK6uMXbgBfwwMqFglJVC2KUp0Fn7ZkTJNm7o0EmNe55ruVaSxaukjJd3ptEA1sWK4ash7EKcMcT8AIClArMP8AMJ6o3\/JY0Lf3\/fjbl61\/j5zMXf8AptZr8Vv2BP8AL7L7NjGlxIVt9vwA5vQSdLXNvu\/upmsC7mjjQLXdAMAthwXCkGdRAsbNIcAC9tAeq5InCj7mjY3PaZFl\/vJqbYdfWbve\/EXRKCvZZ5lfvE12KfYYOngqlqhbKdDp+4k+jeiWwtZeRs6PnWxmmkr73tEnNgvoEjEWzckWMAPCsIv4YpxSlIONFKWp+5QH7aalI7G7aTyRes7Xhltolf1TSiQJXPN2maaWRaLWFpa6tuuu0GpKA4AqniXpsZppTnRUm\/NPud5I2Z\/b8Mtjs1S1fR2khK15uC2Wr2iyELXUt102g1pT7aAlcfD1lIEuy6c6sYt\/+sLndtOlt7SrGgrh5i33rNCXVVYVjuokrC3QGuoWMqvhz2nr5gv\/ACrd9zU0nmnD\/sytv6ZSUxvM16zm8xlT1jtQgt4WzavClIpFKTpxJWX7abfXVz1gHbhhZ5mu\/bOdTSNSJABkd0g8wxYumHoM7ZA6MvSbSgfsAriJAvfsdoR+i\/3TkeVev\/LjI3dS1NTA2\/q64GzbosfEDqxr8P0OH+vPE4kvsp0b48SOw62I7a1tra796uc1Ny0tJCqueXNNAzFPLGHLRHVB1blwPsCFKEBDueeO3ImLkWHAhd85PkHMCLetqf8AHBkMzyQ1Xy\/w9an24f8ArjPFgngqhbFJxILOIzJdZim7zKlKiVe2Y+eVOY1rTzhra\/2CoAbTFi1TSSesYDC3WCooSUIBqxSl9cSX2U5psCYqAHM925frOzHg3UcxNy660gDX+1VDBmKWWMOJL6yTbtqoFCBJwiv1eJE\/8Ir\/AKImx\/vOL\/8An2j3Hb11oT\/OLDaHX2Su12bI3Hn1PTW33Z9Cwp5dYKMN7skd23SVSESBJVX39f8AXZ3AFUUpxZsYnv204Dw0U+ScbXYs5JxLjNeTeGZJAtGeYnEBVGflFMsZ\/iGm9etowGBCOFVFJwX7lZcRpx4hp6Pbkm8jsWck\/fNkl5NIzJwFUzy44RhaxdLPGR4gJovXEYJAhKKA9YeO06MCf7HVvGGz4\/8Ai6ps\/NZRc\/RkrAKVhW\/Nxo\/GFPt0RGp6ykdoRwUnVkT25uPX9tNPmfnLGXUwLK30WaguqqwrB6g0YVYhxwEhISrK5yJmtjs7PrL\/ADxRJjFndb+Md7ZukqZ+X+CtK7RziurkfQt2LPiqEMWNVQ7gX6tcdouThzqvTuPbmgbaiRkcnfzCmNnrflTNMMppvqyt1Ck403A4YiEgUUXimxet+4IQhmKh1sSNq1uXZkYNXZrUydJKVhf8iVEIVDK1MJKn1heG5eB4wpRwVxEjpzhjtCONcJ3W3HtzX+UrMz2T5nZhTArNvrHlg0XTLZgu7AnNU4FYYoTwApIVC1+5jZTnGhpEthaNBJjannVLNErHMG60lo4vqEjLW2Tp64SAXhEnM44JwAhKElc0cC+T0CXmgpunbktzx5LzPI5zljl1whZ9zcGvtrU2gZT9NGVqx9paMOIAksjpHbntBd03TdbmLy63HtJ0s8psj49TWDF3vTC\/8Y7qpH7ugFNXBVC2ZV+5QJTmYuw0gjtJ5IvXslE3cpK\/qmlNIaDPKDijSyLRawNV8Vuuu6ipKEYBf8UndfuJ82LTgPMVEXKwSfuzsxxNIJHvDJM0C0v+YqiQrbPyi4WSf1hhvY2wYgxRwgHwgX6J6K8CYgvZBR6dnbO0nU3tyLytDRs2uBLJ7JZMDmL1s0nwoFRXWnDBHGksksgTFeBMF3seyWTeO8dx7te3ei4z9Gyi4sFqXZFnhzF62EnpIDRRWPHHgUl9eJ+40ynQrgPCGHXN523S1znA4mrksC7mmkatMLzFYQAwOBhRh\/aDFjZtnYIEhCQtWIjnx2lr5RunJVB3ccNnc1\/crpbhU1O\/mKDFTvWkIxYDSsHrJ3TSnGmgWAUhwn94pgnEiK4jovywI\/7teSEOf3BHrapyhsjVTkFKvybGWEtpZ0sCWf0wmWKMwKlKceFU\/wAvOI6j9zYy6zbTT5V5H72JZfPY5w85kiQrYuwUMSy6CxK5PtMDVjX7U1I4tWVyefn3tnf8LuXXMXO8v\/O9X3HkL+p+6VwZPL2gfEUXbnTqpTiCqfCOm2+YM1Ma3W1SJMCdJ0yFmesbD1qlRO85Vi0q7UzyuIpb8RZmXwtIoElIuBSFsUpToLSnMyR2eJu6M8jGvbodfKtJYtXWkNpqfeMwAyxYlmqpvSOThjSLBKBBQqopQtcRmzYtOGcS2FblKlws51SzRydB3AzQHF9QkeprV9qpALwiNt\/gTbKxRwVyWSWQJivAmC72PZLJvHeO492vbvRcZ+jZRcWC1Lsizw5i9bCT0kBoorHjjwDVkYmjgTz2faWiE78\/Nt5bylYmmLn8TWV1t9weVmPiLg+7M\/NK8OAeFV94o\/XePCqgXIxAlsyJtuZeNcUdubjy2mNvRFxc2pl2wapHdurLCM9msCgeItFmqpGOCRcNX9gx\/wDNF\/Qn\/wDfwCqakrkdplJE5YeSjjbj25vXU\/M1NTsZhsIs\/Eml1VWDfo44U+3DFGL\/AIIwtfuCz9yGwziWwtGeRjc0c6pZolYtXSTDi+oSMZYsSzQC8Ik4Y4JwShKEcgeKq9Fx+7shl\/71\/U67wF\/wLg\/HZja3MvGuTvccyLuZbTG3zBU1PdeYuqR3bqw0qCjlWekoHiLTepqRgYlIuBSX14psZv3EhW\/Lfh1ozyMbXNvx61dmrGl3TjSlr5NgQUWfdLV0M\/qBTRjmA4JRikVm\/wDygv8Amo\/1fjfl1\/1\/kdwGjpJZHaK8CWI9j2SybxmRfHM7te3eimz9Gyi4UWpdkWeFQWLzPLCT0kBoorHiYngqcF3ZsWbNjKc35toi6y8jZ33Zd\/SGar6DaZogC7pQTbWr5aVcz2oRbwp9qUi4FZQPyfX+df8A1jjqpwHNV4pffRsQWcR0W\/NtADlC8j25+y7+6m+37WVOQAXdKBgyxYlmq5ntQHC9T7UhFgKyWSub9gTBfTXGz0Noqbj52+Z2tS0xcWNv\/SNCsE21gCfgqKsOtUHiqph\/3dko38\/v6nK45VzD\/uE5Rv5\/f1wVwFqTiuC4jSmxV2A3\/R7cynkiVXt94ObJzG17T2arjWu1AK2q2C0IL6iQXLdQaki4lWFr\/OJKy\/bMYEuvpCcq7b93t5vBymOHpGSJGNQ7VbCYYsXTDzi+ikNGNQ8UYYUB6DH+Gz+bf+0uN+Qo\/X+WPANWW+OnNf1O3sjW628YkvjzB0x7c9p+jZS8Wd2SsWFXWLyuWUT4kBoorRiJKeOaruydP20pTnum2b65oztsbIbfJtkrGvXWklQWvEA+4q2DEIT1Ck3MfDghFXFq+nO\/gT\/nJ\/s3jfl1\/wBf5HcAqoiPhsKBMI3skqjFvf1Ztf3K9u3tN03cS4AtU7JpBFeuVrJPTQdTRWK3iHi\/\/WHns\/wdX+l1j\/7viVfyFH6\/yx46qcB\/\/9k=)\n\nAugust 29, 2024\n\n[Español](https:\/\/espanol.cdc.gov\/enes\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html)\n\nFor Health Care Providers\n# Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2\n## What to know\nThis overview describes current information on the types of tests used to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection and their intended uses. This information is intended for use by healthcare providers, public health professionals, and those organizing and implementing testing in non-healthcare settings.\n\n## Test types\n### Resource\nInformation for the general public on COVID-19 testing is also [available](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/testing\/index.html).\n\n**Viral tests**, including nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and PCR tests, as well as antigen tests, are used as diagnostic tests to **detect current infection** with SARS-CoV-2, determine the need for prevention measures, and inform a person's medical care.\n\n### Viral tests\n- Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are highly sensitive and highly specific tests that detect one or more viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) genes. PCR tests are the most common type of NAAT used for COVID-19 testing. Viral RNA may stay in a person's body for up to 90 days after they test positive. Therefore, NAATs should not be used to test someone who has tested positive in the last 90 days. Most NAATs need to be performed in a laboratory, although some are performed at the point-of-care. Most NAATs produce qualitative (positive\/negative) results.\n- Antigen tests are immunoassays that detect the presence of specific viral proteins, called antigens. A positive test indicates current infection. Antigen tests generally have high specificity, similar to NAATs, but are less sensitive than most NAATs. Because antigen tests have lower sensitivity, [FDA recommends](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/home-covid-19-diagnostic-tests-frequently-asked-questions#negative) that negative antigen tests be repeated up to three times, with each test 48 hours apart to confirm a negative result. Most antigen tests are less expensive than NAATs and can provide results in minutes. Antigen tests are available for at-home testing (self-testing), at the point of care, or in a laboratory.\n  - As noted in the labeling for authorized over-the-counter antigen tests: Negative results should be treated as presumptive (meaning that they are preliminary results). Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. Please see [FDA guidance](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/home-covid-19-diagnostic-tests-frequently-asked-questions#negative) on the use of at-home COVID-19 antigen tests.\n- Other diagnostic tests may be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 from non-traditional respiratory specimens, such as breath. These tests' results may be presumptive and require confirmation by NAAT. Please refer to [each test's Instructions for Use (IFU](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices\/in-vitro-diagnostics-euas-other-tests-sars-cov-2)) for specific interpretation.\n\n**Positive viral test results** indicate current infection and the person with COVID-19 should take steps to [prevent spreading](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/prevention\/precautions-when-sick.html) COVID-19 to others.\n\n**Negative viral test results** mean the test did not detect the virus, but this doesn't rule out that the person could have an infection. These results represent a snapshot of the time around specimen collection and could change if the same test was performed again in one or more days. Negative antigen test results should be repeated following [FDA guidance](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/safety-communications\/home-covid-19-antigen-tests-take-steps-reduce-your-risk-false-negative-results-fda-safety).\n\n**Antibody (or serology) tests** are used to **test for the presence of antibodies** from previous infection or vaccination and can aid in fulfilling the case definition for [multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mis\/hcp\/clinical-overview\/index.html) and [adults (MIS-A)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mis\/hcp\/case-definition-reporting\/index.html#cdc_generic_section_2-mis-a-case-definition).1 Antibody testing does not diagnose current infection. Antibody testing is primarily used for public health surveillance and epidemiologic purposes. Antibody tests detect specific antibodies that target different parts (nucleocapsid or spike protein) of the virus. Detection of anti-nucleocapsid antibody indicates SARS-CoV-2 infection, while anti-spike protein antibody may be induced by COVID-19 vaccination or by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This should be considered when choosing whether to test for antibodies originating from past infection versus those from vaccination.\n\n### COVID-19 Test Monitoring\nFDA continually monitors the accuracy of COVID-19 tests. Their [website](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/sars-cov-2-viral-mutations-impact-covid-19-tests) provides up-to-date information on the impact of viral mutations on COVID-19 tests. See FDA's list of [In Vitro Diagnostics Emergency Use Authorizations](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices\/in-vitro-diagnostics-euas) for more information about the performance and interpretation of specific authorized tests.\n\n## Diagnostic testing\n***T**esting individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19***\n\nPositive test results using a viral test (NAAT, antigen or other tests) in individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 indicate that the person has COVID-19. A negative antigen test in individuals with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should be repeated following FDA recommendations or confirmed by NAAT.\n\nAdditionally, consider other illnesses with similar symptoms that may require testing. For many diseases, including flu, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can be important for preventing severe illness.\n\nAnyone who tests positive should take steps to [prevent spreading](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/prevention\/precautions-when-sick.html) COVID-19 to others or, if in a healthcare setting, be placed on [appropriate precautions](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/infection-control\/index.html). Some people should receive [treatment](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/treatment\/index.html). Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home.\n\n## Vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 testing\nVaccination does not affect the results of someone's SARS-CoV-2 NAAT, antigen, or other diagnostic tests.\n\nThe main effect of vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 testing is related to antibody testing. Because mRNA [COVID-19 vaccines](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/vaccines\/stay-up-to-date.html#cdc_vaccine_recommendations_reason_benefit-how-well-covid-19-vaccines-work) use the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to generate an immune response, a positive serologic (antibody) test for spike protein IgM\/IgG could indicate either previous infection or vaccination.\n\nAntibody testing is not currently recommended to assess a person's protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 following COVID-19 vaccination or prior infection, or to assess the need for vaccination in an unvaccinated person. Antibody testing can be used in the diagnosis of [Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mis\/hcp\/case-definition-reporting\/index.html) or [Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults (MIS-A)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mis\/hcp\/case-definition-reporting\/index.html#cdc_generic_section_2-mis-a-case-definition).\n\nTo evaluate for evidence of previous infection in a vaccinated individual, use an antibody test specifically evaluating IgM\/IgG to the nucleocapsid protein. For example, specific antibody tests can be used for public health surveillance.\n\n### Table 1. NAAT and Antigen Test\\* Differences\n|   | NAATs | Antigen Tests\\* |\n|---|---|---|\n| **Intended Use** | Diagnose *current* infection | Diagnose *current* infection |\n| **Analyte Detected** | Viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) | Viral antigens |\n| **Specimen Type(s)** | Nasal, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, sputum, saliva | Nasal, nasopharyngeal |\n| **Sensitivity** | Varies by test, but generally high for laboratory-based tests and moderate-to-high for point-of-care (POC) tests | Less sensitive than NAATs. Varies by test and depending on the course of infection+\\* |\n| **Specificity** | High | High |\n| **Test Complexity** | Varies by test | Relatively easy to use |\n| **Authorized for Use at the Point of Care** | Most are not, some are | Most are, some are not |\n| **Turnaround Time** | Most 1–3 days; some are rapid with results in 15 minutes | Ranges from 15 minutes to 30 minutes |\n| **Cost\/Test** | ~\\$75-\\$100\/test | ~\\$5-\\$50\/test |\n| **Advantages** | Most sensitive test method available Short turnaround time for NAAT POC tests, but few available Usually does not need to be repeated to confirm results | Short turnaround time (approximately 15 minutes) ◊ Cost-effective Some can be performed at home, or anywhere else |\n| **Disadvantages** | Longer turnaround time for lab-based tests (1–3 days) Higher cost per test After an infection has ended, and the risk of transmission has passed, people may have detectable RNA and test positive for up to 90 days | Negative tests should be confirmed by NAAT or repeated as [recommended by FDA](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/safety-communications\/home-covid-19-antigen-tests-take-steps-reduce-your-risk-false-negative-fda-safety-communication) Less sensitive (more false negative results) compared to NAATs, especially among asymptomatic people and with some variants |\n\n### Notice\n\\* As noted in the labeling for authorized over-the-counter antigen tests: negative results should be treated as presumptive (meaning that they are preliminary results). Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. Please see [FDA guidance](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/safety-communications\/home-covid-19-antigen-tests-take-steps-reduce-your-risk-false-negative-results-fda-safety) on the use of at-home COVID-19 antigen tests.\n\n† The decreased sensitivity of antigen tests might be offset if the POC antigen tests are repeated more frequently.\n\n◊ Refers to point-of-care antigen tests only.\n\n## Health Equity in SARS-CoV-2 testing\n- Social determinants of health may influence access to testing. For example, travel time may limit access to, and use of, testing services for those who have limited access to transportation and who live in areas with fewer public transit services and schedules. Racial and ethnic disparities in test site distribution have been found2. Other factors that may affect both access to, and use of, testing services include:\n\n- Lack of health insurance\n- Concern about the costs or co-pays\n- Occupational factors such as not being able to take time off work and lack of paid leave\n- Lack of accessible options for people with disabilities, and\n- Distrust of the government and healthcare systems3,4,5,6\n\nDelays in testing may also delay seeking care and treatment (when sick) as well as delays in prevention measures that could reduce the spread of the virus to others.\n\nOne component to move toward greater health equity is ensuring availability of resources, including access to testing for populations who have experienced longstanding, systemic health and social inequities. All population groups, including racial and ethnic minority groups, should have equal access to affordable, quality, and timely SARS-CoV-2 testing—with fast turnaround time for results. Efforts should be made to address barriers that might overtly or inadvertently create inequalities in testing.\n\nIn addition, completeness of race and ethnicity data is an important factor in understanding the impact the virus has on racial and ethnic minority populations. When possible, healthcare providers and public health professionals should ask and record race and ethnicity for anyone receiving a reportable test result and ensure these data are reported with the person’s test results to facilitate understanding the impact of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic minority populations.\n\nSome strategies to achieve health equity in testing access and availability include:\n\n- Use a [social vulnerability index](https:\/\/www.atsdr.cdc.gov\/place-health\/php\/svi\/?CDC_AAref_Val=https:\/\/www.atsdr.cdc.gov\/placeandhealth\/svi\/index.html) to assist in selecting testing sites.\n- Increase the availability of free testing sites in communities. Employers, community-based, and faith-based organizations can be important partners to increase the number of free, community-based testing sites. This expansion ensures that wait times both for testing and reporting of results are decreased.\n- Increase accessible and culturally appropriate public messaging about the importance of testing and communicate these messages in multiple accessible formats, languages, and venues, particularly in communities at higher risk and disproportionately impacted by the virus.\n\n## Additional information\n• [Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/infection-control\/index.html)\n\n• [COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know (for the public)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/testing\/index.html)\n\n• [Laboratory Resources](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/php\/lab\/reporting-lab-data.html)\n\n## References\n1. Morris SB, Schwartz NG, Patel P, et al. [Case Series of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection – United Kingdom and United States, March-August 2020](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7561225\/). *MMWR* *Morb Mortal Wkly Rep*. 2020;69(40):1450-1456. Published 2020 Oct 9. doi:10.15585\/mmwr.mm6940e1\n2. Dalva-Baird NP, Alobuia WM, Bendavid E, Bhattacharya J. [Racial and ethnic inequities in the early distribution of U.S. COVID-19 testing sites and mortality](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8420583\/). *Eur J Clin Invest*. 2021;51(11):e13669. doi:10.1111\/eci.13669\n3. Economic Policy Institute. [Black Workers Face Two of the Most Lethal Preexisting Conditions for Coronavirus—Racism and Economic Inequality](https:\/\/www.epi.org\/publication\/black-workers-covid\/) \\[online\\]. 2020 \\[cited 2020 Jun 28\\].\n4. Berchick, Edward R., Jessica C. Barnett, and Rachel D. Upton Current Population Reports, P60-267(RV), [Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2018](https:\/\/www.census.gov\/library\/publications\/2019\/demo\/p60-267.html)*,* Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 2019.\n5. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on the Consequences of Uninsurance. [Care Without Coverage: Too Little, Too Late](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK220639\/)*.* Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2002.\n6. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Understanding and Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care, Smedley BD, Stith AY, Nelson AR, eds. [Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK220358\/). Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2003.\n\n## On This Page\n- [Test types](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#cdc_generic_section_1-test-types)\n- [Diagnostic testing](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#cdc_generic_section_2-diagnostic-testing)\n- [Vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 testing](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#cdc_generic_section_3-vaccination-and-sars-cov-2-testing)\n- [Health Equity in SARS-CoV-2 testing](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#cdc_generic_section_4-health-equity-in-sars-cov-2-testing)\n- [Additional information](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#cdc_generic_section_5-additional-information)\n- [References](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#cdc_generic_section_6-references)\n\n## Related Pages\n- [Clinical Care Quick Reference](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/index.html)\n- [Clinical Presentation](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/covid19-presentation.html)\n- [Clinical Course: Progression, Management, and Treatment](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/management-and-treatment.html)\n- [Clinical Considerations for Special Populations](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/considerations-special-groups.html)\n- [Clinical Care for Outpatients](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/outpatient-treatment.html)\n- [Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/underlying-conditions.html)\n\n[View All Covid](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/site.html#hcp)\n\n[Clinical Course: Progression, Management, and Treatment](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/management-and-treatment.html)\n\nAugust 29, 2024\n\n[Sources](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#content-sources) [Print](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#print) [Share](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#share)\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcovid%2Fhcp%2Fclinical-care%2Foverview-testing-sars-cov-2.html \"Share to Facebook\")   [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcovid%2Fhcp%2Fclinical-care%2Foverview-testing-sars-cov-2.html&title=Overview%20of%20Testing%20for%20SARS-CoV-2 \"Share to LinkedIn\")   [Twitter](http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcovid%2Fhcp%2Fclinical-care%2Foverview-testing-sars-cov-2.html&text=Overview%20of%20Testing%20for%20SARS-CoV-2 \"Share to Twitter\")   [Syndicate](https:\/\/tools.cdc.gov\/medialibrary\/index.aspx#\/sharecontent\/https:\/\/https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html \"Embed this Page\")\n\nContent Source:\n\n[National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/ncird\/index.html); [Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/ncird\/divisions-offices\/index.html)\n\n## Related Pages\n- [Clinical Care Quick Reference](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/index.html)\n- [Clinical Presentation](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/covid19-presentation.html)\n- [Clinical Course: Progression, Management, and Treatment](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/management-and-treatment.html)\n- [Clinical Considerations for Special Populations](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/considerations-special-groups.html)\n- [Clinical Care for Outpatients](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/outpatient-treatment.html)\n- [Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/underlying-conditions.html)\n\n[View All Covid](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/site.html#hcp)\n\nBack to Top\n\n## [Covid](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/index.html)\nCOVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. It can be very contagious and spreads quickly.\n\n[View All](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/site.html)\n\n### [For Everyone](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/index.html#gen)\n- [About COVID-19](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/about\/index.html)\n- [Symptoms](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/signs-symptoms\/index.html)\n- [People with Certain Medical Conditions and COVID-19](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/risk-factors\/index.html)\n- [COVID-19 Vaccines](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/vaccines\/index.html)\n- [Testing](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/testing\/index.html)\n- [Treatment](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/treatment\/index.html)\n- [How to Protect Yourself and Others](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/prevention\/index.html)\n- [Tools and Resources](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/communication\/index.html)\n\n### [Health Care Providers](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/index.html#hcp)\n- [Interim Clinical Considerations](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/vaccine-considerations\/index.html)\n- 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[English](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/other\/language-assistance.html#English)\n\n[Archive](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/clinical-care\/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#mobile-footer-archive)\n\n- [CDC Archive](https:\/\/archive.cdc.gov\/)\n- [Public Health Publications](https:\/\/stacks.cdc.gov\/)\n\n[![Centers for Disease Control and Prevention](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/TemplatePackage\/5.0\/img\/logo\/cdc-logo-tag-right.svg)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/)\n\n[HHS.gov](https:\/\/hhs.gov\/) [USA.gov](https:\/\/usa.gov\/)","attrs_readable_markdown":"August 29, 2024\n\nFor Health Care Providers\n\nThis overview describes current information on the types of tests used to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection and their intended uses. This information is intended for use by healthcare providers, public health professionals, and those organizing and implementing testing in non-healthcare settings.\n\n## Test types\n### Resource\nInformation for the general public on COVID-19 testing is also [available](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/testing\/index.html).\n\n**Viral tests**, including nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and PCR tests, as well as antigen tests, are used as diagnostic tests to **detect current infection** with SARS-CoV-2, determine the need for prevention measures, and inform a person's medical care.\n\n### Viral tests\n- Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are highly sensitive and highly specific tests that detect one or more viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) genes. PCR tests are the most common type of NAAT used for COVID-19 testing. Viral RNA may stay in a person's body for up to 90 days after they test positive. Therefore, NAATs should not be used to test someone who has tested positive in the last 90 days. Most NAATs need to be performed in a laboratory, although some are performed at the point-of-care. Most NAATs produce qualitative (positive\/negative) results.\n- Antigen tests are immunoassays that detect the presence of specific viral proteins, called antigens. A positive test indicates current infection. Antigen tests generally have high specificity, similar to NAATs, but are less sensitive than most NAATs. Because antigen tests have lower sensitivity, [FDA recommends](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/home-covid-19-diagnostic-tests-frequently-asked-questions#negative) that negative antigen tests be repeated up to three times, with each test 48 hours apart to confirm a negative result. Most antigen tests are less expensive than NAATs and can provide results in minutes. Antigen tests are available for at-home testing (self-testing), at the point of care, or in a laboratory.\n  - As noted in the labeling for authorized over-the-counter antigen tests: Negative results should be treated as presumptive (meaning that they are preliminary results). Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. Please see [FDA guidance](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/home-covid-19-diagnostic-tests-frequently-asked-questions#negative) on the use of at-home COVID-19 antigen tests.\n- Other diagnostic tests may be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 from non-traditional respiratory specimens, such as breath. These tests' results may be presumptive and require confirmation by NAAT. Please refer to [each test's Instructions for Use (IFU](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices\/in-vitro-diagnostics-euas-other-tests-sars-cov-2)) for specific interpretation.\n\n**Positive viral test results** indicate current infection and the person with COVID-19 should take steps to [prevent spreading](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/prevention\/precautions-when-sick.html) COVID-19 to others.\n\n**Negative viral test results** mean the test did not detect the virus, but this doesn't rule out that the person could have an infection. These results represent a snapshot of the time around specimen collection and could change if the same test was performed again in one or more days. Negative antigen test results should be repeated following [FDA guidance](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/safety-communications\/home-covid-19-antigen-tests-take-steps-reduce-your-risk-false-negative-results-fda-safety).\n\n**Antibody (or serology) tests** are used to **test for the presence of antibodies** from previous infection or vaccination and can aid in fulfilling the case definition for [multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mis\/hcp\/clinical-overview\/index.html) and [adults (MIS-A)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mis\/hcp\/case-definition-reporting\/index.html#cdc_generic_section_2-mis-a-case-definition).1 Antibody testing does not diagnose current infection. Antibody testing is primarily used for public health surveillance and epidemiologic purposes. Antibody tests detect specific antibodies that target different parts (nucleocapsid or spike protein) of the virus. Detection of anti-nucleocapsid antibody indicates SARS-CoV-2 infection, while anti-spike protein antibody may be induced by COVID-19 vaccination or by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This should be considered when choosing whether to test for antibodies originating from past infection versus those from vaccination.\n\n### COVID-19 Test Monitoring\nFDA continually monitors the accuracy of COVID-19 tests. Their [website](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/sars-cov-2-viral-mutations-impact-covid-19-tests) provides up-to-date information on the impact of viral mutations on COVID-19 tests. See FDA's list of [In Vitro Diagnostics Emergency Use Authorizations](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices\/in-vitro-diagnostics-euas) for more information about the performance and interpretation of specific authorized tests.\n\n## Diagnostic testing\n***T**esting individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19***\n\nPositive test results using a viral test (NAAT, antigen or other tests) in individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 indicate that the person has COVID-19. A negative antigen test in individuals with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should be repeated following FDA recommendations or confirmed by NAAT.\n\nAdditionally, consider other illnesses with similar symptoms that may require testing. For many diseases, including flu, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can be important for preventing severe illness.\n\nAnyone who tests positive should take steps to [prevent spreading](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/prevention\/precautions-when-sick.html) COVID-19 to others or, if in a healthcare setting, be placed on [appropriate precautions](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/hcp\/infection-control\/index.html). Some people should receive [treatment](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/treatment\/index.html). Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home.\n\n## Vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 testing\nVaccination does not affect the results of someone's SARS-CoV-2 NAAT, antigen, or other diagnostic tests.\n\nThe main effect of vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 testing is related to antibody testing. Because mRNA [COVID-19 vaccines](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/vaccines\/stay-up-to-date.html#cdc_vaccine_recommendations_reason_benefit-how-well-covid-19-vaccines-work) use the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to generate an immune response, a positive serologic (antibody) test for spike protein IgM\/IgG could indicate either previous infection or vaccination.\n\nAntibody testing is not currently recommended to assess a person's protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 following COVID-19 vaccination or prior infection, or to assess the need for vaccination in an unvaccinated person. Antibody testing can be used in the diagnosis of [Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mis\/hcp\/case-definition-reporting\/index.html) or [Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults (MIS-A)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/mis\/hcp\/case-definition-reporting\/index.html#cdc_generic_section_2-mis-a-case-definition).\n\nTo evaluate for evidence of previous infection in a vaccinated individual, use an antibody test specifically evaluating IgM\/IgG to the nucleocapsid protein. For example, specific antibody tests can be used for public health surveillance.\n\n### Table 1. NAAT and Antigen Test\\* Differences\n|   | NAATs | Antigen Tests\\* |\n|---|---|---|\n| **Intended Use** | Diagnose *current* infection | Diagnose *current* infection |\n| **Analyte Detected** | Viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) | Viral antigens |\n| **Specimen Type(s)** | Nasal, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, sputum, saliva | Nasal, nasopharyngeal |\n| **Sensitivity** | Varies by test, but generally high for laboratory-based tests and moderate-to-high for point-of-care (POC) tests | Less sensitive than NAATs. Varies by test and depending on the course of infection+\\* |\n| **Specificity** | High | High |\n| **Test Complexity** | Varies by test | Relatively easy to use |\n| **Authorized for Use at the Point of Care** | Most are not, some are | Most are, some are not |\n| **Turnaround Time** | Most 1–3 days; some are rapid with results in 15 minutes | Ranges from 15 minutes to 30 minutes |\n| **Cost\/Test** | ~\\$75-\\$100\/test | ~\\$5-\\$50\/test |\n| **Advantages** | Most sensitive test method available Short turnaround time for NAAT POC tests, but few available Usually does not need to be repeated to confirm results | Short turnaround time (approximately 15 minutes) ◊ Cost-effective Some can be performed at home, or anywhere else |\n| **Disadvantages** | Longer turnaround time for lab-based tests (1–3 days) Higher cost per test After an infection has ended, and the risk of transmission has passed, people may have detectable RNA and test positive for up to 90 days | Negative tests should be confirmed by NAAT or repeated as [recommended by FDA](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/safety-communications\/home-covid-19-antigen-tests-take-steps-reduce-your-risk-false-negative-fda-safety-communication) Less sensitive (more false negative results) compared to NAATs, especially among asymptomatic people and with some variants |\n\n### Notice\n\\* As noted in the labeling for authorized over-the-counter antigen tests: negative results should be treated as presumptive (meaning that they are preliminary results). Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. Please see [FDA guidance](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/safety-communications\/home-covid-19-antigen-tests-take-steps-reduce-your-risk-false-negative-results-fda-safety) on the use of at-home COVID-19 antigen tests.\n\n† The decreased sensitivity of antigen tests might be offset if the POC antigen tests are repeated more frequently.\n\n◊ Refers to point-of-care antigen tests only.\n\n## Health Equity in SARS-CoV-2 testing\n- Social determinants of health may influence access to testing. For example, travel time may limit access to, and use of, testing services for those who have limited access to transportation and who live in areas with fewer public transit services and schedules. Racial and ethnic disparities in test site distribution have been found2. Other factors that may affect both access to, and use of, testing services include:\n\n- Lack of health insurance\n- Concern about the costs or co-pays\n- Occupational factors such as not being able to take time off work and lack of paid leave\n- Lack of accessible options for people with disabilities, and\n- Distrust of the government and healthcare systems3,4,5,6\n\nDelays in testing may also delay seeking care and treatment (when sick) as well as delays in prevention measures that could reduce the spread of the virus to others.\n\nOne component to move toward greater health equity is ensuring availability of resources, including access to testing for populations who have experienced longstanding, systemic health and social inequities. All population groups, including racial and ethnic minority groups, should have equal access to affordable, quality, and timely SARS-CoV-2 testing—with fast turnaround time for results. Efforts should be made to address barriers that might overtly or inadvertently create inequalities in testing.\n\nIn addition, completeness of race and ethnicity data is an important factor in understanding the impact the virus has on racial and ethnic minority populations. When possible, healthcare providers and public health professionals should ask and record race and ethnicity for anyone receiving a reportable test result and ensure these data are reported with the person’s test results to facilitate understanding the impact of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic minority populations.\n\nSome strategies to achieve health equity in testing access and availability include:\n\n- Use a [social vulnerability index](https:\/\/www.atsdr.cdc.gov\/place-health\/php\/svi\/?CDC_AAref_Val=https:\/\/www.atsdr.cdc.gov\/placeandhealth\/svi\/index.html) to assist in selecting testing sites.\n- Increase the availability of free testing sites in communities. Employers, community-based, and faith-based organizations can be important partners to increase the number of free, community-based testing sites. This expansion ensures that wait times both for testing and reporting of results are decreased.\n- Increase accessible and culturally appropriate public messaging about the importance of testing and communicate these messages in multiple accessible formats, languages, and venues, particularly in communities at higher risk and disproportionately impacted by the virus.\n\n## References\n1. Morris SB, Schwartz NG, Patel P, et al. [Case Series of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection – United Kingdom and United States, March-August 2020](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7561225\/). *MMWR* *Morb Mortal Wkly Rep*. 2020;69(40):1450-1456. Published 2020 Oct 9. doi:10.15585\/mmwr.mm6940e1\n2. Dalva-Baird NP, Alobuia WM, Bendavid E, Bhattacharya J. [Racial and ethnic inequities in the early distribution of U.S. COVID-19 testing sites and mortality](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8420583\/). *Eur J Clin Invest*. 2021;51(11):e13669. doi:10.1111\/eci.13669\n3. Economic Policy Institute. [Black Workers Face Two of the Most Lethal Preexisting Conditions for Coronavirus—Racism and Economic Inequality](https:\/\/www.epi.org\/publication\/black-workers-covid\/) \\[online\\]. 2020 \\[cited 2020 Jun 28\\].\n4. Berchick, Edward R., Jessica C. Barnett, and Rachel D. Upton Current Population Reports, P60-267(RV), [Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2018](https:\/\/www.census.gov\/library\/publications\/2019\/demo\/p60-267.html)*,* Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 2019.\n5. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on the Consequences of Uninsurance. [Care Without Coverage: Too Little, Too Late](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK220639\/)*.* Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2002.\n6. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Understanding and Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care, Smedley BD, Stith AY, Nelson AR, eds. [Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK220358\/). Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2003.\n\nAugust 29, 2024","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html
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Meta Title	Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 \| COVID-19 \| CDC
Meta Description	Learn about the tests available for COVID-19, their differences, and health equity in testing.
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Boilerpipe Text	August 29, 2024 For Health Care Providers This overview describes current information on the types of tests used to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection and their intended uses. This information is intended for use by healthcare providers, public health professionals, and those organizing and implementing testing in non-healthcare settings. Test types Resource Information for the general public on COVID-19 testing is also available . Viral tests , including nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and PCR tests, as well as antigen tests, are used as diagnostic tests to detect current infection with SARS-CoV-2, determine the need for prevention measures, and inform a person's medical care. Viral tests Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are highly sensitive and highly specific tests that detect one or more viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) genes. PCR tests are the most common type of NAAT used for COVID-19 testing. Viral RNA may stay in a person's body for up to 90 days after they test positive. Therefore, NAATs should not be used to test someone who has tested positive in the last 90 days. Most NAATs need to be performed in a laboratory, although some are performed at the point-of-care. Most NAATs produce qualitative (positive/negative) results. Antigen tests are immunoassays that detect the presence of specific viral proteins, called antigens. A positive test indicates current infection. Antigen tests generally have high specificity, similar to NAATs, but are less sensitive than most NAATs. Because antigen tests have lower sensitivity, FDA recommends that negative antigen tests be repeated up to three times, with each test 48 hours apart to confirm a negative result. Most antigen tests are less expensive than NAATs and can provide results in minutes. Antigen tests are available for at-home testing (self-testing), at the point of care, or in a laboratory. As noted in the labeling for authorized over-the-counter antigen tests: Negative results should be treated as presumptive (meaning that they are preliminary results). Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. Please see FDA guidance on the use of at-home COVID-19 antigen tests. Other diagnostic tests may be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 from non-traditional respiratory specimens, such as breath. These tests' results may be presumptive and require confirmation by NAAT. Please refer to each test's Instructions for Use (IFU ) for specific interpretation. Positive viral test results indicate current infection and the person with COVID-19 should take steps to prevent spreading COVID-19 to others. Negative viral test results mean the test did not detect the virus, but this doesn't rule out that the person could have an infection. These results represent a snapshot of the time around specimen collection and could change if the same test was performed again in one or more days. Negative antigen test results should be repeated following FDA guidance . Antibody (or serology) tests are used to test for the presence of antibodies from previous infection or vaccination and can aid in fulfilling the case definition for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and adults (MIS-A) . 1 Antibody testing does not diagnose current infection. Antibody testing is primarily used for public health surveillance and epidemiologic purposes. Antibody tests detect specific antibodies that target different parts (nucleocapsid or spike protein) of the virus. Detection of anti-nucleocapsid antibody indicates SARS-CoV-2 infection, while anti-spike protein antibody may be induced by COVID-19 vaccination or by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This should be considered when choosing whether to test for antibodies originating from past infection versus those from vaccination. COVID-19 Test Monitoring FDA continually monitors the accuracy of COVID-19 tests. Their website provides up-to-date information on the impact of viral mutations on COVID-19 tests. See FDA's list of In Vitro Diagnostics Emergency Use Authorizations for more information about the performance and interpretation of specific authorized tests. Diagnostic testing T esting individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 Positive test results using a viral test (NAAT, antigen or other tests) in individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 indicate that the person has COVID-19. A negative antigen test in individuals with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should be repeated following FDA recommendations or confirmed by NAAT. Additionally, consider other illnesses with similar symptoms that may require testing. For many diseases, including flu, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can be important for preventing severe illness. Anyone who tests positive should take steps to prevent spreading COVID-19 to others or, if in a healthcare setting, be placed on appropriate precautions . Some people should receive treatment . Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home. Vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 testing Vaccination does not affect the results of someone's SARS-CoV-2 NAAT, antigen, or other diagnostic tests. The main effect of vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 testing is related to antibody testing. Because mRNA COVID-19 vaccines use the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to generate an immune response, a positive serologic (antibody) test for spike protein IgM/IgG could indicate either previous infection or vaccination. Antibody testing is not currently recommended to assess a person's protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 following COVID-19 vaccination or prior infection, or to assess the need for vaccination in an unvaccinated person. Antibody testing can be used in the diagnosis of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults (MIS-A) . To evaluate for evidence of previous infection in a vaccinated individual, use an antibody test specifically evaluating IgM/IgG to the nucleocapsid protein. For example, specific antibody tests can be used for public health surveillance. Table 1. NAAT and Antigen Test* Differences NAATs Antigen Tests* Intended Use Diagnose current infection Diagnose current infection Analyte Detected Viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) Viral antigens Specimen Type(s) Nasal, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, sputum, saliva Nasal, nasopharyngeal Sensitivity Varies by test, but generally high for laboratory-based tests and moderate-to-high for point-of-care (POC) tests Less sensitive than NAATs. Varies by test and depending on the course of infection+* Specificity High High Test Complexity Varies by test Relatively easy to use Authorized for Use at the Point of Care Most are not, some are Most are, some are not Turnaround Time Most 1–3 days; some are rapid with results in 15 minutes Ranges from 15 minutes to 30 minutes Cost/Test ~$75-$100/test ~$5-$50/test Advantages Most sensitive test method available Short turnaround time for NAAT POC tests, but few available Usually does not need to be repeated to confirm results Short turnaround time (approximately 15 minutes) ◊ Cost-effective Some can be performed at home, or anywhere else Disadvantages Longer turnaround time for lab-based tests (1–3 days) Higher cost per test After an infection has ended, and the risk of transmission has passed, people may have detectable RNA and test positive for up to 90 days Negative tests should be confirmed by NAAT or repeated as recommended by FDA Less sensitive (more false negative results) compared to NAATs, especially among asymptomatic people and with some variants Notice * As noted in the labeling for authorized over-the-counter antigen tests: negative results should be treated as presumptive (meaning that they are preliminary results). Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. Please see FDA guidance  on the use of at-home COVID-19 antigen tests. † The decreased sensitivity of antigen tests might be offset if the POC antigen tests are repeated more frequently. ◊ Refers to point-of-care antigen tests only. Health Equity in SARS-CoV-2 testing Social determinants of health may influence access to testing. For example, travel time may limit access to, and use of, testing services for those who have limited access to transportation and who live in areas with fewer public transit services and schedules. Racial and ethnic disparities in test site distribution have been found 2 . Other factors that may affect both access to, and use of, testing services include: Lack of health insurance Concern about the costs or co-pays Occupational factors such as not being able to take time off work and lack of paid leave Lack of accessible options for people with disabilities, and Distrust of the government and healthcare systems 3,4,5,6 Delays in testing may also delay seeking care and treatment (when sick) as well as delays in prevention measures that could reduce the spread of the virus to others. One component to move toward greater health equity is ensuring availability of resources, including access to testing for populations who have experienced longstanding, systemic health and social inequities. All population groups, including racial and ethnic minority groups, should have equal access to affordable, quality, and timely SARS-CoV-2 testing—with fast turnaround time for results. Efforts should be made to address barriers that might overtly or inadvertently create inequalities in testing. In addition, completeness of race and ethnicity data is an important factor in understanding the impact the virus has on racial and ethnic minority populations. When possible, healthcare providers and public health professionals should ask and record race and ethnicity for anyone receiving a reportable test result and ensure these data are reported with the person’s test results to facilitate understanding the impact of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic minority populations. Some strategies to achieve health equity in testing access and availability include: Use a social vulnerability index to assist in selecting testing sites. Increase the availability of free testing sites in communities. Employers, community-based, and faith-based organizations can be important partners to increase the number of free, community-based testing sites. This expansion ensures that wait times both for testing and reporting of results are decreased. Increase accessible and culturally appropriate public messaging about the importance of testing and communicate these messages in multiple accessible formats, languages, and venues, particularly in communities at higher risk and disproportionately impacted by the virus. References Morris SB, Schwartz NG, Patel P, et al. Case Series of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection – United Kingdom and United States, March-August 2020 . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep . 2020;69(40):1450-1456. Published 2020 Oct 9. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6940e1 Dalva-Baird NP, Alobuia WM, Bendavid E, Bhattacharya J. Racial and ethnic inequities in the early distribution of U.S. COVID-19 testing sites and mortality . Eur J Clin Invest . 2021;51(11):e13669. doi:10.1111/eci.13669 Economic Policy Institute. Black Workers Face Two of the Most Lethal Preexisting Conditions for Coronavirus—Racism and Economic Inequality [online]. 2020 [cited 2020 Jun 28]. Berchick, Edward R., Jessica C. Barnett, and Rachel D. Upton Current Population Reports, P60-267(RV), Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2018 , Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 2019. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on the Consequences of Uninsurance. Care Without Coverage: Too Little, Too Late . Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2002. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Understanding and Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care, Smedley BD, Stith AY, Nelson AR, eds. Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care . Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2003. August 29, 2024
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) August 29, 2024 [Español](https://espanol.cdc.gov/enes/covid/hcp/clinical-care/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html) For Health Care Providers # Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 ## What to know This overview describes current information on the types of tests used to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection and their intended uses. This information is intended for use by healthcare providers, public health professionals, and those organizing and implementing testing in non-healthcare settings. ## Test types ### Resource Information for the general public on COVID-19 testing is also [available](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/testing/index.html). Viral tests, including nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and PCR tests, as well as antigen tests, are used as diagnostic tests to detect current infection with SARS-CoV-2, determine the need for prevention measures, and inform a person's medical care. ### Viral tests - Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are highly sensitive and highly specific tests that detect one or more viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) genes. PCR tests are the most common type of NAAT used for COVID-19 testing. Viral RNA may stay in a person's body for up to 90 days after they test positive. Therefore, NAATs should not be used to test someone who has tested positive in the last 90 days. Most NAATs need to be performed in a laboratory, although some are performed at the point-of-care. Most NAATs produce qualitative (positive/negative) results. - Antigen tests are immunoassays that detect the presence of specific viral proteins, called antigens. A positive test indicates current infection. Antigen tests generally have high specificity, similar to NAATs, but are less sensitive than most NAATs. Because antigen tests have lower sensitivity, [FDA recommends](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-covid-19-diagnostic-tests-frequently-asked-questions#negative) that negative antigen tests be repeated up to three times, with each test 48 hours apart to confirm a negative result. Most antigen tests are less expensive than NAATs and can provide results in minutes. Antigen tests are available for at-home testing (self-testing), at the point of care, or in a laboratory. - As noted in the labeling for authorized over-the-counter antigen tests: Negative results should be treated as presumptive (meaning that they are preliminary results). Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. Please see [FDA guidance](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-covid-19-diagnostic-tests-frequently-asked-questions#negative) on the use of at-home COVID-19 antigen tests. - Other diagnostic tests may be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 from non-traditional respiratory specimens, such as breath. These tests' results may be presumptive and require confirmation by NAAT. Please refer to [each test's Instructions for Use (IFU](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices/in-vitro-diagnostics-euas-other-tests-sars-cov-2)) for specific interpretation. Positive viral test results indicate current infection and the person with COVID-19 should take steps to [prevent spreading](https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html) COVID-19 to others. Negative viral test results mean the test did not detect the virus, but this doesn't rule out that the person could have an infection. These results represent a snapshot of the time around specimen collection and could change if the same test was performed again in one or more days. Negative antigen test results should be repeated following [FDA guidance](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/home-covid-19-antigen-tests-take-steps-reduce-your-risk-false-negative-results-fda-safety). Antibody (or serology) tests are used to test for the presence of antibodies from previous infection or vaccination and can aid in fulfilling the case definition for [multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html) and [adults (MIS-A)](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/hcp/case-definition-reporting/index.html#cdc_generic_section_2-mis-a-case-definition).1 Antibody testing does not diagnose current infection. Antibody testing is primarily used for public health surveillance and epidemiologic purposes. Antibody tests detect specific antibodies that target different parts (nucleocapsid or spike protein) of the virus. Detection of anti-nucleocapsid antibody indicates SARS-CoV-2 infection, while anti-spike protein antibody may be induced by COVID-19 vaccination or by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This should be considered when choosing whether to test for antibodies originating from past infection versus those from vaccination. ### COVID-19 Test Monitoring FDA continually monitors the accuracy of COVID-19 tests. Their [website](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/sars-cov-2-viral-mutations-impact-covid-19-tests) provides up-to-date information on the impact of viral mutations on COVID-19 tests. See FDA's list of [In Vitro Diagnostics Emergency Use Authorizations](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices/in-vitro-diagnostics-euas) for more information about the performance and interpretation of specific authorized tests. ## Diagnostic testing *Testing individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19*** Positive test results using a viral test (NAAT, antigen or other tests) in individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 indicate that the person has COVID-19. A negative antigen test in individuals with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should be repeated following FDA recommendations or confirmed by NAAT. Additionally, consider other illnesses with similar symptoms that may require testing. For many diseases, including flu, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can be important for preventing severe illness. Anyone who tests positive should take steps to [prevent spreading](https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html) COVID-19 to others or, if in a healthcare setting, be placed on [appropriate precautions](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/infection-control/index.html). Some people should receive [treatment](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/treatment/index.html). Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home. ## Vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 testing Vaccination does not affect the results of someone's SARS-CoV-2 NAAT, antigen, or other diagnostic tests. The main effect of vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 testing is related to antibody testing. Because mRNA [COVID-19 vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html#cdc_vaccine_recommendations_reason_benefit-how-well-covid-19-vaccines-work) use the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to generate an immune response, a positive serologic (antibody) test for spike protein IgM/IgG could indicate either previous infection or vaccination. Antibody testing is not currently recommended to assess a person's protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 following COVID-19 vaccination or prior infection, or to assess the need for vaccination in an unvaccinated person. Antibody testing can be used in the diagnosis of [Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/hcp/case-definition-reporting/index.html) or [Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults (MIS-A)](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/hcp/case-definition-reporting/index.html#cdc_generic_section_2-mis-a-case-definition). To evaluate for evidence of previous infection in a vaccinated individual, use an antibody test specifically evaluating IgM/IgG to the nucleocapsid protein. For example, specific antibody tests can be used for public health surveillance. ### Table 1. NAAT and Antigen Test\* Differences \| \| NAATs \| Antigen Tests\* \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| Intended Use \| Diagnose current infection \| Diagnose current infection \| \| Analyte Detected \| Viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) \| Viral antigens \| \| Specimen Type(s) \| Nasal, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, sputum, saliva \| Nasal, nasopharyngeal \| \| Sensitivity \| Varies by test, but generally high for laboratory-based tests and moderate-to-high for point-of-care (POC) tests \| Less sensitive than NAATs. Varies by test and depending on the course of infection+\* \| \| Specificity \| High \| High \| \| Test Complexity \| Varies by test \| Relatively easy to use \| \| Authorized for Use at the Point of Care \| Most are not, some are \| Most are, some are not \| \| Turnaround Time \| Most 1–3 days; some are rapid with results in 15 minutes \| Ranges from 15 minutes to 30 minutes \| \| Cost/Test \| ~\$75-\$100/test \| ~\$5-\$50/test \| \| Advantages \| Most sensitive test method available Short turnaround time for NAAT POC tests, but few available Usually does not need to be repeated to confirm results \| Short turnaround time (approximately 15 minutes) ◊ Cost-effective Some can be performed at home, or anywhere else \| \| Disadvantages \| Longer turnaround time for lab-based tests (1–3 days) Higher cost per test After an infection has ended, and the risk of transmission has passed, people may have detectable RNA and test positive for up to 90 days \| Negative tests should be confirmed by NAAT or repeated as [recommended by FDA](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/home-covid-19-antigen-tests-take-steps-reduce-your-risk-false-negative-fda-safety-communication) Less sensitive (more false negative results) compared to NAATs, especially among asymptomatic people and with some variants \| ### Notice \* As noted in the labeling for authorized over-the-counter antigen tests: negative results should be treated as presumptive (meaning that they are preliminary results). Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. Please see [FDA guidance](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/home-covid-19-antigen-tests-take-steps-reduce-your-risk-false-negative-results-fda-safety) on the use of at-home COVID-19 antigen tests. † The decreased sensitivity of antigen tests might be offset if the POC antigen tests are repeated more frequently. ◊ Refers to point-of-care antigen tests only. ## Health Equity in SARS-CoV-2 testing - Social determinants of health may influence access to testing. For example, travel time may limit access to, and use of, testing services for those who have limited access to transportation and who live in areas with fewer public transit services and schedules. Racial and ethnic disparities in test site distribution have been found2. Other factors that may affect both access to, and use of, testing services include: - Lack of health insurance - Concern about the costs or co-pays - Occupational factors such as not being able to take time off work and lack of paid leave - Lack of accessible options for people with disabilities, and - Distrust of the government and healthcare systems3,4,5,6 Delays in testing may also delay seeking care and treatment (when sick) as well as delays in prevention measures that could reduce the spread of the virus to others. One component to move toward greater health equity is ensuring availability of resources, including access to testing for populations who have experienced longstanding, systemic health and social inequities. All population groups, including racial and ethnic minority groups, should have equal access to affordable, quality, and timely SARS-CoV-2 testing—with fast turnaround time for results. Efforts should be made to address barriers that might overtly or inadvertently create inequalities in testing. In addition, completeness of race and ethnicity data is an important factor in understanding the impact the virus has on racial and ethnic minority populations. When possible, healthcare providers and public health professionals should ask and record race and ethnicity for anyone receiving a reportable test result and ensure these data are reported with the person’s test results to facilitate understanding the impact of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic minority populations. Some strategies to achieve health equity in testing access and availability include: - Use a [social vulnerability index](https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/place-health/php/svi/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/placeandhealth/svi/index.html) to assist in selecting testing sites. - Increase the availability of free testing sites in communities. Employers, community-based, and faith-based organizations can be important partners to increase the number of free, community-based testing sites. This expansion ensures that wait times both for testing and reporting of results are decreased. - Increase accessible and culturally appropriate public messaging about the importance of testing and communicate these messages in multiple accessible formats, languages, and venues, particularly in communities at higher risk and disproportionately impacted by the virus. ## Additional information • [Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/infection-control/index.html) • [COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know (for the public)](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/testing/index.html) • [Laboratory Resources](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/php/lab/reporting-lab-data.html) ## References 1. Morris SB, Schwartz NG, Patel P, et al. [Case Series of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection – United Kingdom and United States, March-August 2020](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7561225/). MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69(40):1450-1456. Published 2020 Oct 9. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6940e1 2. Dalva-Baird NP, Alobuia WM, Bendavid E, Bhattacharya J. [Racial and ethnic inequities in the early distribution of U.S. COVID-19 testing sites and mortality](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8420583/). Eur J Clin Invest. 2021;51(11):e13669. doi:10.1111/eci.13669 3. Economic Policy Institute. [Black Workers Face Two of the Most Lethal Preexisting Conditions for Coronavirus—Racism and Economic Inequality](https://www.epi.org/publication/black-workers-covid/) \[online\]. 2020 \[cited 2020 Jun 28\]. 4. Berchick, Edward R., Jessica C. Barnett, and Rachel D. Upton Current Population Reports, P60-267(RV), [Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2018](https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2019/demo/p60-267.html), Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 2019. 5. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on the Consequences of Uninsurance. [Care Without Coverage: Too Little, Too Late](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK220639/). Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2002. 6. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Understanding and Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care, Smedley BD, Stith AY, Nelson AR, eds. [Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK220358/). Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2003. ## On This Page - [Test types](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#cdc_generic_section_1-test-types) - [Diagnostic testing](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#cdc_generic_section_2-diagnostic-testing) - [Vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 testing](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#cdc_generic_section_3-vaccination-and-sars-cov-2-testing) - [Health Equity in SARS-CoV-2 testing](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#cdc_generic_section_4-health-equity-in-sars-cov-2-testing) - [Additional information](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#cdc_generic_section_5-additional-information) - [References](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#cdc_generic_section_6-references) ## Related Pages - [Clinical Care Quick Reference](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/index.html) - [Clinical Presentation](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/covid19-presentation.html) - [Clinical Course: Progression, Management, and Treatment](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/management-and-treatment.html) - [Clinical Considerations for Special Populations](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/considerations-special-groups.html) - [Clinical Care for Outpatients](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/outpatient-treatment.html) - [Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html) [View All Covid](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/site.html#hcp) [Clinical Course: Progression, Management, and Treatment](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/management-and-treatment.html) August 29, 2024 [Sources](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#content-sources) [Print](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#print) [Share](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html#share) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcovid%2Fhcp%2Fclinical-care%2Foverview-testing-sars-cov-2.html "Share to Facebook") [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcovid%2Fhcp%2Fclinical-care%2Foverview-testing-sars-cov-2.html&title=Overview%20of%20Testing%20for%20SARS-CoV-2 "Share to LinkedIn") [Twitter](http://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcovid%2Fhcp%2Fclinical-care%2Foverview-testing-sars-cov-2.html&text=Overview%20of%20Testing%20for%20SARS-CoV-2 "Share to Twitter") [Syndicate](https://tools.cdc.gov/medialibrary/index.aspx#/sharecontent/https://https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/overview-testing-sars-cov-2.html "Embed this Page") Content Source: [National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases](https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/index.html); [Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division](https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/divisions-offices/index.html) ## Related Pages - [Clinical Care Quick Reference](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/index.html) - [Clinical Presentation](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/covid19-presentation.html) - [Clinical Course: Progression, Management, and Treatment](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/management-and-treatment.html) - [Clinical Considerations for Special Populations](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/considerations-special-groups.html) - [Clinical Care for Outpatients](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/outpatient-treatment.html) - [Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html) [View All Covid](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/site.html#hcp) Back to Top ## [Covid](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/index.html) COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. 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Readable Markdown	August 29, 2024 For Health Care Providers This overview describes current information on the types of tests used to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection and their intended uses. This information is intended for use by healthcare providers, public health professionals, and those organizing and implementing testing in non-healthcare settings. ## Test types ### Resource Information for the general public on COVID-19 testing is also [available](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/testing/index.html). Viral tests, including nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and PCR tests, as well as antigen tests, are used as diagnostic tests to detect current infection with SARS-CoV-2, determine the need for prevention measures, and inform a person's medical care. ### Viral tests - Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are highly sensitive and highly specific tests that detect one or more viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) genes. PCR tests are the most common type of NAAT used for COVID-19 testing. Viral RNA may stay in a person's body for up to 90 days after they test positive. Therefore, NAATs should not be used to test someone who has tested positive in the last 90 days. Most NAATs need to be performed in a laboratory, although some are performed at the point-of-care. Most NAATs produce qualitative (positive/negative) results. - Antigen tests are immunoassays that detect the presence of specific viral proteins, called antigens. A positive test indicates current infection. Antigen tests generally have high specificity, similar to NAATs, but are less sensitive than most NAATs. Because antigen tests have lower sensitivity, [FDA recommends](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-covid-19-diagnostic-tests-frequently-asked-questions#negative) that negative antigen tests be repeated up to three times, with each test 48 hours apart to confirm a negative result. Most antigen tests are less expensive than NAATs and can provide results in minutes. Antigen tests are available for at-home testing (self-testing), at the point of care, or in a laboratory. - As noted in the labeling for authorized over-the-counter antigen tests: Negative results should be treated as presumptive (meaning that they are preliminary results). Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. Please see [FDA guidance](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-covid-19-diagnostic-tests-frequently-asked-questions#negative) on the use of at-home COVID-19 antigen tests. - Other diagnostic tests may be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 from non-traditional respiratory specimens, such as breath. These tests' results may be presumptive and require confirmation by NAAT. Please refer to [each test's Instructions for Use (IFU](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices/in-vitro-diagnostics-euas-other-tests-sars-cov-2)) for specific interpretation. Positive viral test results indicate current infection and the person with COVID-19 should take steps to [prevent spreading](https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html) COVID-19 to others. Negative viral test results mean the test did not detect the virus, but this doesn't rule out that the person could have an infection. These results represent a snapshot of the time around specimen collection and could change if the same test was performed again in one or more days. Negative antigen test results should be repeated following [FDA guidance](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/home-covid-19-antigen-tests-take-steps-reduce-your-risk-false-negative-results-fda-safety). Antibody (or serology) tests are used to test for the presence of antibodies from previous infection or vaccination and can aid in fulfilling the case definition for [multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html) and [adults (MIS-A)](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/hcp/case-definition-reporting/index.html#cdc_generic_section_2-mis-a-case-definition).1 Antibody testing does not diagnose current infection. Antibody testing is primarily used for public health surveillance and epidemiologic purposes. Antibody tests detect specific antibodies that target different parts (nucleocapsid or spike protein) of the virus. Detection of anti-nucleocapsid antibody indicates SARS-CoV-2 infection, while anti-spike protein antibody may be induced by COVID-19 vaccination or by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This should be considered when choosing whether to test for antibodies originating from past infection versus those from vaccination. ### COVID-19 Test Monitoring FDA continually monitors the accuracy of COVID-19 tests. Their [website](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/sars-cov-2-viral-mutations-impact-covid-19-tests) provides up-to-date information on the impact of viral mutations on COVID-19 tests. See FDA's list of [In Vitro Diagnostics Emergency Use Authorizations](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices/in-vitro-diagnostics-euas) for more information about the performance and interpretation of specific authorized tests. ## Diagnostic testing *Testing individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19*** Positive test results using a viral test (NAAT, antigen or other tests) in individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19 indicate that the person has COVID-19. A negative antigen test in individuals with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should be repeated following FDA recommendations or confirmed by NAAT. Additionally, consider other illnesses with similar symptoms that may require testing. For many diseases, including flu, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can be important for preventing severe illness. Anyone who tests positive should take steps to [prevent spreading](https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html) COVID-19 to others or, if in a healthcare setting, be placed on [appropriate precautions](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/infection-control/index.html). Some people should receive [treatment](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/treatment/index.html). Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home. ## Vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 testing Vaccination does not affect the results of someone's SARS-CoV-2 NAAT, antigen, or other diagnostic tests. The main effect of vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 testing is related to antibody testing. Because mRNA [COVID-19 vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html#cdc_vaccine_recommendations_reason_benefit-how-well-covid-19-vaccines-work) use the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to generate an immune response, a positive serologic (antibody) test for spike protein IgM/IgG could indicate either previous infection or vaccination. Antibody testing is not currently recommended to assess a person's protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 following COVID-19 vaccination or prior infection, or to assess the need for vaccination in an unvaccinated person. Antibody testing can be used in the diagnosis of [Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/hcp/case-definition-reporting/index.html) or [Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults (MIS-A)](https://www.cdc.gov/mis/hcp/case-definition-reporting/index.html#cdc_generic_section_2-mis-a-case-definition). To evaluate for evidence of previous infection in a vaccinated individual, use an antibody test specifically evaluating IgM/IgG to the nucleocapsid protein. For example, specific antibody tests can be used for public health surveillance. ### Table 1. NAAT and Antigen Test\* Differences \| \| NAATs \| Antigen Tests\* \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| Intended Use \| Diagnose current infection \| Diagnose current infection \| \| Analyte Detected \| Viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) \| Viral antigens \| \| Specimen Type(s) \| Nasal, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, sputum, saliva \| Nasal, nasopharyngeal \| \| Sensitivity \| Varies by test, but generally high for laboratory-based tests and moderate-to-high for point-of-care (POC) tests \| Less sensitive than NAATs. Varies by test and depending on the course of infection+\* \| \| Specificity \| High \| High \| \| Test Complexity \| Varies by test \| Relatively easy to use \| \| Authorized for Use at the Point of Care \| Most are not, some are \| Most are, some are not \| \| Turnaround Time \| Most 1–3 days; some are rapid with results in 15 minutes \| Ranges from 15 minutes to 30 minutes \| \| Cost/Test \| ~\$75-\$100/test \| ~\$5-\$50/test \| \| Advantages \| Most sensitive test method available Short turnaround time for NAAT POC tests, but few available Usually does not need to be repeated to confirm results \| Short turnaround time (approximately 15 minutes) ◊ Cost-effective Some can be performed at home, or anywhere else \| \| Disadvantages \| Longer turnaround time for lab-based tests (1–3 days) Higher cost per test After an infection has ended, and the risk of transmission has passed, people may have detectable RNA and test positive for up to 90 days \| Negative tests should be confirmed by NAAT or repeated as [recommended by FDA](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/home-covid-19-antigen-tests-take-steps-reduce-your-risk-false-negative-fda-safety-communication) Less sensitive (more false negative results) compared to NAATs, especially among asymptomatic people and with some variants \| ### Notice \* As noted in the labeling for authorized over-the-counter antigen tests: negative results should be treated as presumptive (meaning that they are preliminary results). Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. Please see [FDA guidance](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/home-covid-19-antigen-tests-take-steps-reduce-your-risk-false-negative-results-fda-safety) on the use of at-home COVID-19 antigen tests. † The decreased sensitivity of antigen tests might be offset if the POC antigen tests are repeated more frequently. ◊ Refers to point-of-care antigen tests only. ## Health Equity in SARS-CoV-2 testing - Social determinants of health may influence access to testing. For example, travel time may limit access to, and use of, testing services for those who have limited access to transportation and who live in areas with fewer public transit services and schedules. Racial and ethnic disparities in test site distribution have been found2. Other factors that may affect both access to, and use of, testing services include: - Lack of health insurance - Concern about the costs or co-pays - Occupational factors such as not being able to take time off work and lack of paid leave - Lack of accessible options for people with disabilities, and - Distrust of the government and healthcare systems3,4,5,6 Delays in testing may also delay seeking care and treatment (when sick) as well as delays in prevention measures that could reduce the spread of the virus to others. One component to move toward greater health equity is ensuring availability of resources, including access to testing for populations who have experienced longstanding, systemic health and social inequities. All population groups, including racial and ethnic minority groups, should have equal access to affordable, quality, and timely SARS-CoV-2 testing—with fast turnaround time for results. Efforts should be made to address barriers that might overtly or inadvertently create inequalities in testing. In addition, completeness of race and ethnicity data is an important factor in understanding the impact the virus has on racial and ethnic minority populations. When possible, healthcare providers and public health professionals should ask and record race and ethnicity for anyone receiving a reportable test result and ensure these data are reported with the person’s test results to facilitate understanding the impact of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic minority populations. Some strategies to achieve health equity in testing access and availability include: - Use a [social vulnerability index](https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/place-health/php/svi/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/placeandhealth/svi/index.html) to assist in selecting testing sites. - Increase the availability of free testing sites in communities. Employers, community-based, and faith-based organizations can be important partners to increase the number of free, community-based testing sites. This expansion ensures that wait times both for testing and reporting of results are decreased. - Increase accessible and culturally appropriate public messaging about the importance of testing and communicate these messages in multiple accessible formats, languages, and venues, particularly in communities at higher risk and disproportionately impacted by the virus. ## References 1. Morris SB, Schwartz NG, Patel P, et al. [Case Series of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection – United Kingdom and United States, March-August 2020](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7561225/). MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69(40):1450-1456. Published 2020 Oct 9. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6940e1 2. Dalva-Baird NP, Alobuia WM, Bendavid E, Bhattacharya J. [Racial and ethnic inequities in the early distribution of U.S. COVID-19 testing sites and mortality](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8420583/). Eur J Clin Invest. 2021;51(11):e13669. doi:10.1111/eci.13669 3. Economic Policy Institute. [Black Workers Face Two of the Most Lethal Preexisting Conditions for Coronavirus—Racism and Economic Inequality](https://www.epi.org/publication/black-workers-covid/) \[online\]. 2020 \[cited 2020 Jun 28\]. 4. Berchick, Edward R., Jessica C. Barnett, and Rachel D. Upton Current Population Reports, P60-267(RV), [Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2018](https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2019/demo/p60-267.html), Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 2019. 5. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on the Consequences of Uninsurance. [Care Without Coverage: Too Little, Too Late](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK220639/). Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2002. 6. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Understanding and Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care, Smedley BD, Stith AY, Nelson AR, eds. [Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK220358/). Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2003. August 29, 2024
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