🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 98 (from laksa107)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa098.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.healthline.com/health/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.healthline.com/health/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests","crawl_time":1772386679,"first_indexed_time":1621015235,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,healthline!www,\/health\/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests s443","src_root_hash":"11478817528691466898","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How Accurate Are Rapid COVID Tests? What Research Shows","meta_descriptions":["The risk of getting a false positive result for COVID-19 is relatively low but false negatives are common. Still, a rapid test can be a useful preliminary test."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Antigen tests are one type of rapid test that may help diagnose COVID-19. Some rapid tests can provide results in 15 minutes. But, they may not be as accurate as other types of tests, such as a PCR lab test.\nCOVID-19 is a respiratory disease that can cause severe illness, especially in people with preexisting health conditions like\ndiabetes\n,\nobesity\n, or\nhigh blood pressure\n.\nTwo types of tests are commonly used to identify a current infection of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes\nCOVID-19\n.\nThe first type is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, also called a diagnostic test or molecular test. A PCR test can help diagnose COVID-19 by detecting the genetic material of the coronavirus. PCR tests are considered the gold standard for diagnosis by the\nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)\n.\nThe second type is an antigen test. These tests help diagnose COVID-19 by searching for certain molecules found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.\nRapid tests are COVID-19 tests that can provide results in as little as\n15 minutes\nand don’t require lab analysis. They usually take the form of antigen tests.\nAlthough rapid tests can provide quick results, they aren’t as accurate as PCR tests analyzed in a lab. Keep reading to learn how accurate rapid tests are and when they’re used instead of PCR tests.\nRapid COVID-19 tests\noften provide results within minutes and don’t need to be analyzed in a laboratory by a specialist.\nMost rapid tests are antigen tests, and sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably. However, the\nCDC\nstopped using the term “rapid” to describe antigen tests, because the FDA has also approved laboratory-based antigen tests.\nRapid tests, also called point-of-care tests, can be performed at:\nhome with a\nhome COVID-19 test\na doctor’s office\npharmacies\nschool clinics\nlong-term care facilities\nairports\ndrive-through testing sites\nDuring the test, you or a medical professional will insert a cotton swab into your nose, throat, or both to collect mucus and cells. Your sample is then usually applied to a strip that changes color if you test positive for COVID-19.\nAlthough these tests provide quick results, they aren’t as accurate as laboratory tests because they require more of the virus in your sample to report a positive result. Rapid tests come with a high risk of giving a false negative result.\nA false negative means the test shows you don’t have COVID-19 when you do actually have it.\nAt-home tests aren’t as accurate as gold standard PCR tests, but they still play a role in catching COVID-19 cases that otherwise would have gone undetected. Like other antigen COVID-19 tests,\nhome COVID-19 tests\nhave a higher chance of a false negative than a false positive — meaning it’s more likely that the test will indicate you don’t have COVID-19 when you do have it than report you do have it when you don’t.\nIn an\nAugust 2021 study\n, researchers compared the validity of home antigen tests compared to PCR lab tests for detecting COVID-19 infection. Within days 0 to 12 of symptom onset, the home tests correctly identified 78.9 percent of people who did have the virus and correctly identified 97.1 percent of people who didn’t have the virus.\nWhen taken within 3 days of symptom onset, home tests correctly identified 96.2 of COVID-19 cases. The researchers found tests taken 3 days after symptoms appeared were almost as accurate as tests taken the day symptoms started.\nChances of a rapid test giving a false negative\nA\nMarch 2021 review of studies\nexamined the results of 64 test accuracy studies evaluating commercially produced rapid antigen or molecular tests.\nThe researchers found that the accuracy of the tests varied considerably. Here’s a look at their findings.\nAccuracy for people with COVID-19 symptoms\nFor people with symptoms of COVID-19, the tests correctly gave a positive result an average of 72 percent of the time. The 95 percent confidence intervals were 63.7 to 79 percent, meaning that the researchers were 95 percent confident that the average fell between these two values.\nAccuracy for people without COVID-19 symptoms\nThe researchers found that people without COVID-19 symptoms correctly tested positive in 58.1 percent of rapid tests. The 95 percent confidence intervals were 40.2 to 74.1 percent.\nAccuracy during the first week of symptoms versus the second\nRapid tests more accurately provided a positive COVID-19 result when administered during the first week of symptoms. The researchers found that rapid tests correctly identified COVID-19 in an average of 78.3 percent of cases during the first week.\nIn the second week, the average dropped to 51 percent.\nDifferences between brands\nThe researchers found a large range of accuracies between manufacturers of the tests.\nCoris Bioconcept scored the poorest and correctly provided a positive COVID-19 result in only 34.1 percent of cases. SD Biosensor STANDARD Q had the highest score and correctly identified a positive COVID-19 result in 88.1 percent of people.\nIn another\nstudy\npublished in April 2021, researchers compared the accuracy of four types of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests. The researchers found that all four tests correctly identified a positive COVID-19 case about half the time and correctly identified a negative COVID-19 case almost all the time.\nHere’s a summary of their findings:\nBrand\nPercent of positive COVID-19 cases correctly identified\nPercent of negative COVID-19 cases correctly identified\nRoche\n49.4%\n100%\nAbbot\n44.6%\n100%\nMEDsan\n45.8%\n97%\nSiemens\n54.9%\n100%\nIn people who show\nsymptoms of COVID-19\n, antigen testing is more reliable because there’s more virus to capture in the sample.\nChances of a rapid test giving a false positive\nRapid tests rarely give a false positive result. A false positive is when you test positive for COVID-19 when you don’t actually have it.\nIn the March 2021 review of studies mentioned earlier, the researcher found that rapid tests correctly gave a positive COVID-19 result in 99.6 percent of people.\nDespite the relatively high chance of getting a false negative result, rapid COVID-19 tests offer several benefits over PCR tests.\nRapid tests:\ncan provide results within minutes instead of days\nare more portable and accessible than lab tests\nare less expensive than lab tests\ndon’t require a specialist or lab\nMany airports, arenas, theme parks, and other crowded areas provide rapid COVID-19 testing to screen for potential positive cases. Rapid tests won’t catch every COVID-19 case, but they can catch at least some cases that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.\nIf your rapid test shows that you don’t have the coronavirus but you do have symptoms of COVID-19, it’s possible that you received a false negative. It’s a good idea to confirm your negative result with a more accurate PCR test.\nPCR tests are generally more accurate than rapid tests. CT scans are rarely used to diagnose COVID-19. Antibody tests can be used to diagnose past infection.\nPCR test\nPCR covid tests remain the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. A\nJanuary 2021\nstudy found mucus PCR tests correctly diagnosed COVID-19 in 97.2 percent of cases.\nComputed tomography (CT) scans\nCT scans\naren’t generally used to diagnose COVID-19, but they can potentially identify COVID-19 by identifying lung problems. However, they’re less practical than other tests and have trouble ruling out other types of respiratory infections.\nThe same January 2021 study found that CT scans correctly identified a positive COVID-19 case 91.9 percent of the time but only correctly identified a negative COVID-19 case 25.1 percent of the time.\nAntibody tests\nAntibody tests\nlook for proteins made by your immune system called antibodies that suggest past coronavirus infection. Specifically, they look for antibodies called IgM and IgG. Antibody tests can’t diagnosis current coronavirus infection.\nThe January 2021 study found that IgM and IgG antibody tests correctly identified the presence of these antibodies in 84.5 and 91.6 percent of cases, respectively.\nMost people with COVID-19 develop mild illness. If you think you have COVID-19, you should isolate yourself from others as soon as possible. The\nCDC\ncontinues to recommend a 5-day quarantine unless you’re fully vaccinated against the coronavirus or had a positive COVID-19 result within the past 3 months.\nMedical emergency\nCall 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have symptoms like:\nbreathing trouble\nnew confusion\nan inability to stay awake or wake\nchest pain\nor pressure\npale gray or blue nails, skin, or lips\nany other concerning symptoms\nResearch suggests rapid COVID-19 tests are most accurate when used in the first week after symptoms start.\nThe risk of getting a false negative result is relatively high with rapid tests. For people without symptoms, there’s a higher chance of getting a false negative result compared to people with symptoms. On the other hand, rapid tests give a false positive less than 1 percent of the time.\nA rapid COVID-19 test can be a useful preliminary test to see if you have the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. However, if you have symptoms and your rapid test comes back negative, it’s a good idea to confirm your results with a PCR test.","attrs_markdown":"- Health Conditions\n  Health Conditions\n  \n  [All](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/directory\/topics)\n  \n  - [Breast Cancer](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/breast-cancer)\n  - [Cancer Care](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/cancer-care)\n  - [Caregiving for Alzheimer's Disease](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/alzheimers-disease)\n  - [Chronic Kidney Disease](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/ckd)\n  - [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/copd)\n  - [Digestive Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/digestive-health)\n  - [Eye Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/eye-health)\n  - [Heart Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/heart-health)\n  - [Menopause](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/menopause)\n  - [Mental Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/mental-health)\n  - [Migraine](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/migraine)\n  - 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[Through an Artist's Eye](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/breast-cancer\/metastatic-breast-cancer-artist-eye)\n  - [Future of Health](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/video\/future-of-health)\n- Connect\n  Find Your Bezzy Community\n  \n  Bezzy communities provide meaningful connections with others living with chronic conditions. Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app.\n  \n  [All](https:\/\/www.bezzy.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=nav-bar-connections)\n  \n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bezzy-Inflammatory-Bowel-Disease.png) Inflammatory Bowel Disease](https:\/\/www.bezzyibd.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Bezzy-Multiple-Sclerosis.png) Multiple Sclerosis](https:\/\/www.bezzyms.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Bezzy-DEP-Icon-Circle.png) Depression](https:\/\/www.bezzydepression.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Bezzy-MIG-Icon-Circle.png) Migraine](https:\/\/www.bezzymigraine.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Bezzy-T2D-Icon-Circle.png) Type 2 Diabetes](https:\/\/www.bezzyt2d.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  - [![](https:\/\/media.post.rvohealth.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Bezzy-PsO.png) Psoriasis](https:\/\/www.bezzypsoriasis.com\/?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=hl-nav-bar-connections)\n  \n  Follow us on social media\n  \n  Can't get enough? Connect with us for all things health.\n\nSubscribe\n\n[COVID-19](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests)\n\n- [Vaccines Basics](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-long-does-covid-vaccine-protect-you)\n- [Testing](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/types-of-covid-tests)\n- [Symptoms](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/coronavirus-covid-19)\n\n# Are Rapid COVID-19 Test Results Reliable?\n![](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.healthline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Michaela-Murphy-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105)\n\n[Medically reviewed]() by [Michaela Murphy, PA-C]() — Written by [Daniel Yetman]() —  [Updated on June 5, 2023]()\n\n- [How accurate is it?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests#how-accurate-is-it)\n- [At-home tests](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests#at-home-tests)\n- [Advantages of rapid testing](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests#advantages-of-rapid-testing)\n- [Symptoms but negative test](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests#symptoms-but-negative-test)\n- [Other types of tests](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests#other-types-of-tests)\n- [If you think you have COVID-19](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests#if-you-think-you-have-covid-19)\n- [Summary](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests#summary)\n\nAntigen tests are one type of rapid test that may help diagnose COVID-19. Some rapid tests can provide results in 15 minutes. But, they may not be as accurate as other types of tests, such as a PCR lab test.\n\nCOVID-19 is a respiratory disease that can cause severe illness, especially in people with preexisting health conditions like [diabetes](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/diabetesmine\/coronavirus-and-diabetes), [obesity](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/how-obesity-could-hinder-effectiveness-of-covid19-vaccine), or [high blood pressure](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/what-to-know-about-covid-19-and-high-blood-pressure).\n\nTwo types of tests are commonly used to identify a current infection of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/coronavirus).\n\nThe first type is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, also called a diagnostic test or molecular test. A PCR test can help diagnose COVID-19 by detecting the genetic material of the coronavirus. PCR tests are considered the gold standard for diagnosis by the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/lab\/resources\/antigen-tests-guidelines.html).\n\nThe second type is an antigen test. These tests help diagnose COVID-19 by searching for certain molecules found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.\n\nRapid tests are COVID-19 tests that can provide results in as little as [15 minutes](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/coronavirus-disease-2019-testing-basics) and don’t require lab analysis. They usually take the form of antigen tests.\n\nAlthough rapid tests can provide quick results, they aren’t as accurate as PCR tests analyzed in a lab. Keep reading to learn how accurate rapid tests are and when they’re used instead of PCR tests.\n\n## [How accurate are rapid COVID-19 tests?]()\n[Rapid COVID-19 tests](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/heres-what-is-going-on-with-rapid-covid-19-testing) often provide results within minutes and don’t need to be analyzed in a laboratory by a specialist.\n\nMost rapid tests are antigen tests, and sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably. However, the [CDC](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/lab\/resources\/antigen-tests-guidelines.html) stopped using the term “rapid” to describe antigen tests, because the FDA has also approved laboratory-based antigen tests.\n\nRapid tests, also called point-of-care tests, can be performed at:\n\n- home with a [home COVID-19 test](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/at-home-coronavirus-test)\n- a doctor’s office\n- pharmacies\n- school clinics\n- long-term care facilities\n- airports\n- drive-through testing sites\n\nDuring the test, you or a medical professional will insert a cotton swab into your nose, throat, or both to collect mucus and cells. Your sample is then usually applied to a strip that changes color if you test positive for COVID-19.\n\nAlthough these tests provide quick results, they aren’t as accurate as laboratory tests because they require more of the virus in your sample to report a positive result. Rapid tests come with a high risk of giving a false negative result.\n\nA false negative means the test shows you don’t have COVID-19 when you do actually have it.\n\n## [How accurate are at-home tests]()\nAt-home tests aren’t as accurate as gold standard PCR tests, but they still play a role in catching COVID-19 cases that otherwise would have gone undetected. Like other antigen COVID-19 tests, [home COVID-19 tests](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/at-home-coronavirus-test) have a higher chance of a false negative than a false positive — meaning it’s more likely that the test will indicate you don’t have COVID-19 when you do have it than report you do have it when you don’t.\n\nIn an [August 2021 study](https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2783550), researchers compared the validity of home antigen tests compared to PCR lab tests for detecting COVID-19 infection. Within days 0 to 12 of symptom onset, the home tests correctly identified 78.9 percent of people who did have the virus and correctly identified 97.1 percent of people who didn’t have the virus.\n\nWhen taken within 3 days of symptom onset, home tests correctly identified 96.2 of COVID-19 cases. The researchers found tests taken 3 days after symptoms appeared were almost as accurate as tests taken the day symptoms started.\n\n### Chances of a rapid test giving a false negative\nA [March 2021 review of studies](https:\/\/www.cochranelibrary.com\/cdsr\/doi\/10.1002\/14651858.CD013705.pub2\/full) examined the results of 64 test accuracy studies evaluating commercially produced rapid antigen or molecular tests.\n\nThe researchers found that the accuracy of the tests varied considerably. Here’s a look at their findings.\n\n#### Accuracy for people with COVID-19 symptoms\nFor people with symptoms of COVID-19, the tests correctly gave a positive result an average of 72 percent of the time. The 95 percent confidence intervals were 63.7 to 79 percent, meaning that the researchers were 95 percent confident that the average fell between these two values.\n\n#### Accuracy for people without COVID-19 symptoms\nThe researchers found that people without COVID-19 symptoms correctly tested positive in 58.1 percent of rapid tests. The 95 percent confidence intervals were 40.2 to 74.1 percent.\n\n#### Accuracy during the first week of symptoms versus the second\nRapid tests more accurately provided a positive COVID-19 result when administered during the first week of symptoms. The researchers found that rapid tests correctly identified COVID-19 in an average of 78.3 percent of cases during the first week.\n\nIn the second week, the average dropped to 51 percent.\n\n#### Differences between brands\nThe researchers found a large range of accuracies between manufacturers of the tests.\n\nCoris Bioconcept scored the poorest and correctly provided a positive COVID-19 result in only 34.1 percent of cases. SD Biosensor STANDARD Q had the highest score and correctly identified a positive COVID-19 result in 88.1 percent of people.\n\nIn another [study](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7927591\/) published in April 2021, researchers compared the accuracy of four types of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests. The researchers found that all four tests correctly identified a positive COVID-19 case about half the time and correctly identified a negative COVID-19 case almost all the time.\n\nHere’s a summary of their findings:\n\n| Brand | Percent of positive COVID-19 cases correctly identified | Percent of negative COVID-19 cases correctly identified |\n|---|---|---|\n| Roche | 49\\.4% | 100% |\n| Abbot | 44\\.6% | 100% |\n| MEDsan | 45\\.8% | 97% |\n| Siemens | 54\\.9% | 100% |\n\nIn people who show [symptoms of COVID-19](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/covid-19-symptoms-usually-show-up-in-this-order), antigen testing is more reliable because there’s more virus to capture in the sample.\n\n### Chances of a rapid test giving a false positive\nRapid tests rarely give a false positive result. A false positive is when you test positive for COVID-19 when you don’t actually have it.\n\nIn the March 2021 review of studies mentioned earlier, the researcher found that rapid tests correctly gave a positive COVID-19 result in 99.6 percent of people.\n\n## [If it’s less accurate, why is it used?]()\nDespite the relatively high chance of getting a false negative result, rapid COVID-19 tests offer several benefits over PCR tests.\n\nRapid tests:\n\n- can provide results within minutes instead of days\n- are more portable and accessible than lab tests\n- are less expensive than lab tests\n- don’t require a specialist or lab\n\nMany airports, arenas, theme parks, and other crowded areas provide rapid COVID-19 testing to screen for potential positive cases. Rapid tests won’t catch every COVID-19 case, but they can catch at least some cases that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.\n\n## [What to do if you have a negative rapid test result but still have symptoms?]()\nIf your rapid test shows that you don’t have the coronavirus but you do have symptoms of COVID-19, it’s possible that you received a false negative. It’s a good idea to confirm your negative result with a more accurate PCR test.\n\n## [How accurate are other COVID-19 tests?]()\nPCR tests are generally more accurate than rapid tests. CT scans are rarely used to diagnose COVID-19. Antibody tests can be used to diagnose past infection.\n\n### PCR test\nPCR covid tests remain the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. A [January 2021](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7350782\/) study found mucus PCR tests correctly diagnosed COVID-19 in 97.2 percent of cases.\n\n### Computed tomography (CT) scans\n[CT scans](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/ct-scan) aren’t generally used to diagnose COVID-19, but they can potentially identify COVID-19 by identifying lung problems. However, they’re less practical than other tests and have trouble ruling out other types of respiratory infections.\n\nThe same January 2021 study found that CT scans correctly identified a positive COVID-19 case 91.9 percent of the time but only correctly identified a negative COVID-19 case 25.1 percent of the time.\n\n### Antibody tests\n[Antibody tests](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/medicare\/does-medicare-cover-coronavirus-antibody-testing) look for proteins made by your immune system called antibodies that suggest past coronavirus infection. Specifically, they look for antibodies called IgM and IgG. Antibody tests can’t diagnosis current coronavirus infection.\n\nThe January 2021 study found that IgM and IgG antibody tests correctly identified the presence of these antibodies in 84.5 and 91.6 percent of cases, respectively.\n\n## [What to do if you think you have COVID-19?]()\nMost people with COVID-19 develop mild illness. If you think you have COVID-19, you should isolate yourself from others as soon as possible. The [CDC](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/if-you-are-sick\/quarantine.html) continues to recommend a 5-day quarantine unless you’re fully vaccinated against the coronavirus or had a positive COVID-19 result within the past 3 months.\n\n> **Medical emergency**\n> \n> Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have symptoms like:\n> \n> - [breathing trouble](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/coronavirus-shortness-of-breath)\n> - [new confusion](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/coronavirus)\n> - an inability to stay awake or wake\n> - [chest pain](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/chest-pain) or pressure\n> - pale gray or blue nails, skin, or lips\n> - any other concerning symptoms\n\n### Emergency symptoms in People of Color\nDiscoloration of your nails, skin, or lips is a sign of oxygen deprivation. However, people with darker skin may not be able to recognize these symptoms as easily as people with light skin.\n\n## [Takeaway]()\nResearch suggests rapid COVID-19 tests are most accurate when used in the first week after symptoms start.\n\nThe risk of getting a false negative result is relatively high with rapid tests. For people without symptoms, there’s a higher chance of getting a false negative result compared to people with symptoms. On the other hand, rapid tests give a false positive less than 1 percent of the time.\n\nA rapid COVID-19 test can be a useful preliminary test to see if you have the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. However, if you have symptoms and your rapid test comes back negative, it’s a good idea to confirm your results with a PCR test.\n\n### How we reviewed this article:\nSources\n\nHistory\n\nHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/process).\n\n- Böger B, et al. (2021). Systematic review with meta-analysis of the accuracy of diagnostic tests for COVID-19.  \n  <https:\/\/www.ajicjournal.org\/article\/S0196-6553(20)30693-3\/fulltext>\n- Coronavirus disease 2019 testing basics. (2021).  \n  <https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/coronavirus-disease-2019-testing-basics>\n- COVID data tracker. (2021).   \n  Dinnes J, et al. (2021). Rapid, point-of-care antigen and molecular-based tests for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.  \n  <https:\/\/covid.cdc.gov\/covid-data-tracker\/#datatracker-home>\n- Harmon A. (2021). Validation of an at-home direct antigen rapid test for COVID-19.  \n  <https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2783550>\n- Interim guidance for antigen testing for SARS-CoV-2. (2020).  \n  <https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/lab\/resources\/antigen-tests-guidelines.html>\n- Olearo F, et al. (2021). Handling and accuracy of four rapid antigen tests for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 compared to RT-qPCR.  \n  <https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7927591\/>\n- When to quarantine. (2021).  \n  <https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/if-you-are-sick\/quarantine.html>\n\nShare this article\n\n![](https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.healthline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Michaela-Murphy-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105)\n\n[Medically reviewed]() by [Michaela Murphy, PA-C]() — Written by [Daniel Yetman]() —  [Updated on June 5, 2023]()\n\n## related stories\n- [How Long After Exposure to COVID-19 Should You Get Tested?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-long-after-exposure-should-i-get-tested?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [What Are the Symptoms of Zika Virus, and When to See a Doctor](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/zika-virus-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [How Does Mpox Spread?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-is-mpox-spread?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Why Rheumatic Fever Causes Heart Inflammation (Carditis)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/carditis-in-rheumatic-fever?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [What’s the Difference Between Rheumatic Fever and Scarlet Fever?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/rheumatic-fever-vs-scarlet-fever?utm_source=ReadNext)\n\n### Read this next\n- [How Long After Exposure to COVID-19 Should You Get Tested?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-long-after-exposure-should-i-get-tested?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n  \n  [If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, it's important to get tested within 5 days. This is recommended even if you do not have symptoms.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-long-after-exposure-should-i-get-tested?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-long-after-exposure-should-i-get-tested?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [What Are the Symptoms of Zika Virus, and When to See a Doctor](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/zika-virus-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [Symptoms of Zika virus are typically mild and may include fever, rash, and joint pain. For most people, symptoms are not harmful, but the virus can…](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/zika-virus-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/zika-virus-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [How Does Mpox Spread?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-is-mpox-spread?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [Mpox spreads through close contact, such as skin-to-skin or mouth-to-mouth contact. Learn more here.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-is-mpox-spread?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-is-mpox-spread?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [Why Rheumatic Fever Causes Heart Inflammation (Carditis)](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/carditis-in-rheumatic-fever?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [Rheumatic fever (RF) can lead to inflammation in various parts of the body, such as the joints, skin, brain, and heart. Heart inflammation is called…](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/carditis-in-rheumatic-fever?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/carditis-in-rheumatic-fever?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [What’s the Difference Between Rheumatic Fever and Scarlet Fever?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/rheumatic-fever-vs-scarlet-fever?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n  \n  [Rheumatic fever and scarlet fever are caused by the same bacteria, but they present with different symptoms and complications.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/rheumatic-fever-vs-scarlet-fever?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/rheumatic-fever-vs-scarlet-fever?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [What to Know About Pregnancy with a History of Rheumatic Fever](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/rheumatic-fever-in-pregnancy?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [Rheumatic fever complications during pregnancy can pose serious health risks to both the pregnant person and the developing fetus.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/rheumatic-fever-in-pregnancy?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/rheumatic-fever-in-pregnancy?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [WHO Recommends 'Breakthrough' Twice-Yearly Shot for HIV Prevention](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/lenacapavir-twice-yearly-injection-hiv-prevention?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [The WHO issued a global recommendation for lenacapavir, a highly effective, twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV infection. The recommendation…](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/lenacapavir-twice-yearly-injection-hiv-prevention?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/lenacapavir-twice-yearly-injection-hiv-prevention?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [What to Know About Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Adults](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease-in-adults?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n  \n  [Adults can have hand, foot, and mouth disease. It is often milder than in children and can more easily spread. Most adults get better in 7 to 10 days.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease-in-adults?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease-in-adults?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [How Does Norovirus Spread?](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-is-norovirus-spread?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  Medically reviewed by [Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPN](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n  \n  [Norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea. It can spread through food, water, and surfaces touched by someone who has the virus. It usually gets better…](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-is-norovirus-spread?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-is-norovirus-spread?utm_source=ReadNext)\n- [First Case of Sexually Transmitted Fungal Infection Reported in US](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/first-case-of-sexually-transmitted-fungal-infection-reported-in-us?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [The first case of a sexually transmitted form of ringworm has been reported in the United States.](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/first-case-of-sexually-transmitted-fungal-infection-reported-in-us?utm_source=ReadNext)\n  \n  [READ MORE](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/first-case-of-sexually-transmitted-fungal-infection-reported-in-us?utm_source=ReadNext)\n\n© 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/contact-us)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/privacy-policy)\n- Privacy Settings\n- [Advertising Policy](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/advertising-policy)\n- [Health Topics](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/directory\/topics)\n\n- [Sitemap](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/sitemap)\n- [Medical Affairs](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/medical-team)\n- [Content Integrity](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/about\/content-integrity)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/newsletter-signup)\n- © 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n© 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/additional-information).\n\n[About](https:\/\/www.healthlinemedia.com\/?utm_source=healthline.com&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=about)[Careers](https:\/\/rvohealth.com\/careers)[Advertise with us](https:\/\/www.healthlinemedia.com\/advertise?utm_source=healthline.com&utm_medium=site&utm_campaign=footer&utm_content=advertise)\n\nOUR BRANDS\n\n[Healthline](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/)[Medical News Today](https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/)[Greatist](https:\/\/greatist.com\/)[Psych Central](https:\/\/psychcentral.com\/)[Bezzy](https:\/\/bezzy.com\/)\n\n![](http:\/\/b.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=38584006&cv=3.9&cj=1&comscorekw=main)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Antigen tests are one type of rapid test that may help diagnose COVID-19. Some rapid tests can provide results in 15 minutes. But, they may not be as accurate as other types of tests, such as a PCR lab test.\n\nCOVID-19 is a respiratory disease that can cause severe illness, especially in people with preexisting health conditions like [diabetes](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/diabetesmine\/coronavirus-and-diabetes), [obesity](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/how-obesity-could-hinder-effectiveness-of-covid19-vaccine), or [high blood pressure](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/what-to-know-about-covid-19-and-high-blood-pressure).\n\nTwo types of tests are commonly used to identify a current infection of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/coronavirus).\n\nThe first type is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, also called a diagnostic test or molecular test. A PCR test can help diagnose COVID-19 by detecting the genetic material of the coronavirus. PCR tests are considered the gold standard for diagnosis by the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/lab\/resources\/antigen-tests-guidelines.html).\n\nThe second type is an antigen test. These tests help diagnose COVID-19 by searching for certain molecules found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.\n\nRapid tests are COVID-19 tests that can provide results in as little as [15 minutes](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumers\/consumer-updates\/coronavirus-disease-2019-testing-basics) and don’t require lab analysis. They usually take the form of antigen tests.\n\nAlthough rapid tests can provide quick results, they aren’t as accurate as PCR tests analyzed in a lab. Keep reading to learn how accurate rapid tests are and when they’re used instead of PCR tests.\n\n[Rapid COVID-19 tests](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/heres-what-is-going-on-with-rapid-covid-19-testing) often provide results within minutes and don’t need to be analyzed in a laboratory by a specialist.\n\nMost rapid tests are antigen tests, and sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably. However, the [CDC](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/lab\/resources\/antigen-tests-guidelines.html) stopped using the term “rapid” to describe antigen tests, because the FDA has also approved laboratory-based antigen tests.\n\nRapid tests, also called point-of-care tests, can be performed at:\n\n- home with a [home COVID-19 test](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/at-home-coronavirus-test)\n- a doctor’s office\n- pharmacies\n- school clinics\n- long-term care facilities\n- airports\n- drive-through testing sites\n\nDuring the test, you or a medical professional will insert a cotton swab into your nose, throat, or both to collect mucus and cells. Your sample is then usually applied to a strip that changes color if you test positive for COVID-19.\n\nAlthough these tests provide quick results, they aren’t as accurate as laboratory tests because they require more of the virus in your sample to report a positive result. Rapid tests come with a high risk of giving a false negative result.\n\nA false negative means the test shows you don’t have COVID-19 when you do actually have it.\n\nAt-home tests aren’t as accurate as gold standard PCR tests, but they still play a role in catching COVID-19 cases that otherwise would have gone undetected. Like other antigen COVID-19 tests, [home COVID-19 tests](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/at-home-coronavirus-test) have a higher chance of a false negative than a false positive — meaning it’s more likely that the test will indicate you don’t have COVID-19 when you do have it than report you do have it when you don’t.\n\nIn an [August 2021 study](https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2783550), researchers compared the validity of home antigen tests compared to PCR lab tests for detecting COVID-19 infection. Within days 0 to 12 of symptom onset, the home tests correctly identified 78.9 percent of people who did have the virus and correctly identified 97.1 percent of people who didn’t have the virus.\n\nWhen taken within 3 days of symptom onset, home tests correctly identified 96.2 of COVID-19 cases. The researchers found tests taken 3 days after symptoms appeared were almost as accurate as tests taken the day symptoms started.\n\nChances of a rapid test giving a false negative\n\nA [March 2021 review of studies](https:\/\/www.cochranelibrary.com\/cdsr\/doi\/10.1002\/14651858.CD013705.pub2\/full) examined the results of 64 test accuracy studies evaluating commercially produced rapid antigen or molecular tests.\n\nThe researchers found that the accuracy of the tests varied considerably. Here’s a look at their findings.\n\nAccuracy for people with COVID-19 symptoms\n\nFor people with symptoms of COVID-19, the tests correctly gave a positive result an average of 72 percent of the time. The 95 percent confidence intervals were 63.7 to 79 percent, meaning that the researchers were 95 percent confident that the average fell between these two values.\n\nAccuracy for people without COVID-19 symptoms\n\nThe researchers found that people without COVID-19 symptoms correctly tested positive in 58.1 percent of rapid tests. The 95 percent confidence intervals were 40.2 to 74.1 percent.\n\nAccuracy during the first week of symptoms versus the second\n\nRapid tests more accurately provided a positive COVID-19 result when administered during the first week of symptoms. The researchers found that rapid tests correctly identified COVID-19 in an average of 78.3 percent of cases during the first week.\n\nIn the second week, the average dropped to 51 percent.\n\nDifferences between brands\n\nThe researchers found a large range of accuracies between manufacturers of the tests.\n\nCoris Bioconcept scored the poorest and correctly provided a positive COVID-19 result in only 34.1 percent of cases. SD Biosensor STANDARD Q had the highest score and correctly identified a positive COVID-19 result in 88.1 percent of people.\n\nIn another [study](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7927591\/) published in April 2021, researchers compared the accuracy of four types of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests. The researchers found that all four tests correctly identified a positive COVID-19 case about half the time and correctly identified a negative COVID-19 case almost all the time.\n\nHere’s a summary of their findings:\n\n| Brand | Percent of positive COVID-19 cases correctly identified | Percent of negative COVID-19 cases correctly identified |\n|---|---|---|\n| Roche | 49\\.4% | 100% |\n| Abbot | 44\\.6% | 100% |\n| MEDsan | 45\\.8% | 97% |\n| Siemens | 54\\.9% | 100% |\n\nIn people who show [symptoms of COVID-19](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/covid-19-symptoms-usually-show-up-in-this-order), antigen testing is more reliable because there’s more virus to capture in the sample.\n\nChances of a rapid test giving a false positive\n\nRapid tests rarely give a false positive result. A false positive is when you test positive for COVID-19 when you don’t actually have it.\n\nIn the March 2021 review of studies mentioned earlier, the researcher found that rapid tests correctly gave a positive COVID-19 result in 99.6 percent of people.\n\nDespite the relatively high chance of getting a false negative result, rapid COVID-19 tests offer several benefits over PCR tests.\n\nRapid tests:\n\n- can provide results within minutes instead of days\n- are more portable and accessible than lab tests\n- are less expensive than lab tests\n- don’t require a specialist or lab\n\nMany airports, arenas, theme parks, and other crowded areas provide rapid COVID-19 testing to screen for potential positive cases. Rapid tests won’t catch every COVID-19 case, but they can catch at least some cases that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.\n\nIf your rapid test shows that you don’t have the coronavirus but you do have symptoms of COVID-19, it’s possible that you received a false negative. It’s a good idea to confirm your negative result with a more accurate PCR test.\n\nPCR tests are generally more accurate than rapid tests. CT scans are rarely used to diagnose COVID-19. Antibody tests can be used to diagnose past infection.\n\nPCR test\n\nPCR covid tests remain the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. A [January 2021](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7350782\/) study found mucus PCR tests correctly diagnosed COVID-19 in 97.2 percent of cases.\n\nComputed tomography (CT) scans\n\n[CT scans](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/ct-scan) aren’t generally used to diagnose COVID-19, but they can potentially identify COVID-19 by identifying lung problems. However, they’re less practical than other tests and have trouble ruling out other types of respiratory infections.\n\nThe same January 2021 study found that CT scans correctly identified a positive COVID-19 case 91.9 percent of the time but only correctly identified a negative COVID-19 case 25.1 percent of the time.\n\nAntibody tests\n\n[Antibody tests](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/medicare\/does-medicare-cover-coronavirus-antibody-testing) look for proteins made by your immune system called antibodies that suggest past coronavirus infection. Specifically, they look for antibodies called IgM and IgG. Antibody tests can’t diagnosis current coronavirus infection.\n\nThe January 2021 study found that IgM and IgG antibody tests correctly identified the presence of these antibodies in 84.5 and 91.6 percent of cases, respectively.\n\nMost people with COVID-19 develop mild illness. If you think you have COVID-19, you should isolate yourself from others as soon as possible. The [CDC](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/if-you-are-sick\/quarantine.html) continues to recommend a 5-day quarantine unless you’re fully vaccinated against the coronavirus or had a positive COVID-19 result within the past 3 months.\n\n> **Medical emergency**\n> \n> Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have symptoms like:\n> \n> - [breathing trouble](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/coronavirus-shortness-of-breath)\n> - [new confusion](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/coronavirus)\n> - an inability to stay awake or wake\n> - [chest pain](https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/chest-pain) or pressure\n> - pale gray or blue nails, skin, or lips\n> - any other concerning symptoms\n\nResearch suggests rapid COVID-19 tests are most accurate when used in the first week after symptoms start.\n\nThe risk of getting a false negative result is relatively high with rapid tests. For people without symptoms, there’s a higher chance of getting a false negative result compared to people with symptoms. On the other hand, rapid tests give a false positive less than 1 percent of the time.\n\nA rapid COVID-19 test can be a useful preliminary test to see if you have the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. However, if you have symptoms and your rapid test comes back negative, it’s a good idea to confirm your results with a PCR test.","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.healthline.com/health/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests
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Meta Title	How Accurate Are Rapid COVID Tests? What Research Shows
Meta Description	The risk of getting a false positive result for COVID-19 is relatively low but false negatives are common. Still, a rapid test can be a useful preliminary test.
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Boilerpipe Text	Antigen tests are one type of rapid test that may help diagnose COVID-19. Some rapid tests can provide results in 15 minutes. But, they may not be as accurate as other types of tests, such as a PCR lab test. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that can cause severe illness, especially in people with preexisting health conditions like diabetes , obesity , or high blood pressure . Two types of tests are commonly used to identify a current infection of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 . The first type is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, also called a diagnostic test or molecular test. A PCR test can help diagnose COVID-19 by detecting the genetic material of the coronavirus. PCR tests are considered the gold standard for diagnosis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . The second type is an antigen test. These tests help diagnose COVID-19 by searching for certain molecules found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Rapid tests are COVID-19 tests that can provide results in as little as 15 minutes and don’t require lab analysis. They usually take the form of antigen tests. Although rapid tests can provide quick results, they aren’t as accurate as PCR tests analyzed in a lab. Keep reading to learn how accurate rapid tests are and when they’re used instead of PCR tests. Rapid COVID-19 tests often provide results within minutes and don’t need to be analyzed in a laboratory by a specialist. Most rapid tests are antigen tests, and sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably. However, the CDC stopped using the term “rapid” to describe antigen tests, because the FDA has also approved laboratory-based antigen tests. Rapid tests, also called point-of-care tests, can be performed at: home with a home COVID-19 test a doctor’s office pharmacies school clinics long-term care facilities airports drive-through testing sites During the test, you or a medical professional will insert a cotton swab into your nose, throat, or both to collect mucus and cells. Your sample is then usually applied to a strip that changes color if you test positive for COVID-19. Although these tests provide quick results, they aren’t as accurate as laboratory tests because they require more of the virus in your sample to report a positive result. Rapid tests come with a high risk of giving a false negative result. A false negative means the test shows you don’t have COVID-19 when you do actually have it. At-home tests aren’t as accurate as gold standard PCR tests, but they still play a role in catching COVID-19 cases that otherwise would have gone undetected. Like other antigen COVID-19 tests, home COVID-19 tests have a higher chance of a false negative than a false positive — meaning it’s more likely that the test will indicate you don’t have COVID-19 when you do have it than report you do have it when you don’t. In an August 2021 study , researchers compared the validity of home antigen tests compared to PCR lab tests for detecting COVID-19 infection. Within days 0 to 12 of symptom onset, the home tests correctly identified 78.9 percent of people who did have the virus and correctly identified 97.1 percent of people who didn’t have the virus. When taken within 3 days of symptom onset, home tests correctly identified 96.2 of COVID-19 cases. The researchers found tests taken 3 days after symptoms appeared were almost as accurate as tests taken the day symptoms started. Chances of a rapid test giving a false negative A March 2021 review of studies examined the results of 64 test accuracy studies evaluating commercially produced rapid antigen or molecular tests. The researchers found that the accuracy of the tests varied considerably. Here’s a look at their findings. Accuracy for people with COVID-19 symptoms For people with symptoms of COVID-19, the tests correctly gave a positive result an average of 72 percent of the time. The 95 percent confidence intervals were 63.7 to 79 percent, meaning that the researchers were 95 percent confident that the average fell between these two values. Accuracy for people without COVID-19 symptoms The researchers found that people without COVID-19 symptoms correctly tested positive in 58.1 percent of rapid tests. The 95 percent confidence intervals were 40.2 to 74.1 percent. Accuracy during the first week of symptoms versus the second Rapid tests more accurately provided a positive COVID-19 result when administered during the first week of symptoms. The researchers found that rapid tests correctly identified COVID-19 in an average of 78.3 percent of cases during the first week. In the second week, the average dropped to 51 percent. Differences between brands The researchers found a large range of accuracies between manufacturers of the tests. Coris Bioconcept scored the poorest and correctly provided a positive COVID-19 result in only 34.1 percent of cases. SD Biosensor STANDARD Q had the highest score and correctly identified a positive COVID-19 result in 88.1 percent of people. In another study published in April 2021, researchers compared the accuracy of four types of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests. The researchers found that all four tests correctly identified a positive COVID-19 case about half the time and correctly identified a negative COVID-19 case almost all the time. Here’s a summary of their findings: Brand Percent of positive COVID-19 cases correctly identified Percent of negative COVID-19 cases correctly identified Roche 49.4% 100% Abbot 44.6% 100% MEDsan 45.8% 97% Siemens 54.9% 100% In people who show symptoms of COVID-19 , antigen testing is more reliable because there’s more virus to capture in the sample. Chances of a rapid test giving a false positive Rapid tests rarely give a false positive result. A false positive is when you test positive for COVID-19 when you don’t actually have it. In the March 2021 review of studies mentioned earlier, the researcher found that rapid tests correctly gave a positive COVID-19 result in 99.6 percent of people. Despite the relatively high chance of getting a false negative result, rapid COVID-19 tests offer several benefits over PCR tests. Rapid tests: can provide results within minutes instead of days are more portable and accessible than lab tests are less expensive than lab tests don’t require a specialist or lab Many airports, arenas, theme parks, and other crowded areas provide rapid COVID-19 testing to screen for potential positive cases. Rapid tests won’t catch every COVID-19 case, but they can catch at least some cases that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. If your rapid test shows that you don’t have the coronavirus but you do have symptoms of COVID-19, it’s possible that you received a false negative. It’s a good idea to confirm your negative result with a more accurate PCR test. PCR tests are generally more accurate than rapid tests. CT scans are rarely used to diagnose COVID-19. Antibody tests can be used to diagnose past infection. PCR test PCR covid tests remain the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. A January 2021 study found mucus PCR tests correctly diagnosed COVID-19 in 97.2 percent of cases. Computed tomography (CT) scans CT scans aren’t generally used to diagnose COVID-19, but they can potentially identify COVID-19 by identifying lung problems. However, they’re less practical than other tests and have trouble ruling out other types of respiratory infections. The same January 2021 study found that CT scans correctly identified a positive COVID-19 case 91.9 percent of the time but only correctly identified a negative COVID-19 case 25.1 percent of the time. Antibody tests Antibody tests look for proteins made by your immune system called antibodies that suggest past coronavirus infection. Specifically, they look for antibodies called IgM and IgG. Antibody tests can’t diagnosis current coronavirus infection. The January 2021 study found that IgM and IgG antibody tests correctly identified the presence of these antibodies in 84.5 and 91.6 percent of cases, respectively. Most people with COVID-19 develop mild illness. If you think you have COVID-19, you should isolate yourself from others as soon as possible. The CDC continues to recommend a 5-day quarantine unless you’re fully vaccinated against the coronavirus or had a positive COVID-19 result within the past 3 months. Medical emergency Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have symptoms like: breathing trouble new confusion an inability to stay awake or wake chest pain or pressure pale gray or blue nails, skin, or lips any other concerning symptoms Research suggests rapid COVID-19 tests are most accurate when used in the first week after symptoms start. The risk of getting a false negative result is relatively high with rapid tests. For people without symptoms, there’s a higher chance of getting a false negative result compared to people with symptoms. On the other hand, rapid tests give a false positive less than 1 percent of the time. A rapid COVID-19 test can be a useful preliminary test to see if you have the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. However, if you have symptoms and your rapid test comes back negative, it’s a good idea to confirm your results with a PCR test.
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Subscribe [COVID-19](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests) - [Vaccines Basics](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-covid-vaccine-protect-you) - [Testing](https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-covid-tests) - [Symptoms](https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-covid-19) # Are Rapid COVID-19 Test Results Reliable? ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Michaela-Murphy-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105) [Medically reviewed]() by [Michaela Murphy, PA-C]() — Written by [Daniel Yetman]() — [Updated on June 5, 2023]() - [How accurate is it?](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests#how-accurate-is-it) - [At-home tests](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests#at-home-tests) - [Advantages of rapid testing](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests#advantages-of-rapid-testing) - [Symptoms but negative test](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests#symptoms-but-negative-test) - [Other types of tests](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests#other-types-of-tests) - [If you think you have COVID-19](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests#if-you-think-you-have-covid-19) - [Summary](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests#summary) Antigen tests are one type of rapid test that may help diagnose COVID-19. Some rapid tests can provide results in 15 minutes. But, they may not be as accurate as other types of tests, such as a PCR lab test. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that can cause severe illness, especially in people with preexisting health conditions like [diabetes](https://www.healthline.com/diabetesmine/coronavirus-and-diabetes), [obesity](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-obesity-could-hinder-effectiveness-of-covid19-vaccine), or [high blood pressure](https://www.healthline.com/health/what-to-know-about-covid-19-and-high-blood-pressure). Two types of tests are commonly used to identify a current infection of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes [COVID-19](https://www.healthline.com/coronavirus). The first type is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, also called a diagnostic test or molecular test. A PCR test can help diagnose COVID-19 by detecting the genetic material of the coronavirus. PCR tests are considered the gold standard for diagnosis by the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/resources/antigen-tests-guidelines.html). The second type is an antigen test. These tests help diagnose COVID-19 by searching for certain molecules found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Rapid tests are COVID-19 tests that can provide results in as little as [15 minutes](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/coronavirus-disease-2019-testing-basics) and don’t require lab analysis. They usually take the form of antigen tests. Although rapid tests can provide quick results, they aren’t as accurate as PCR tests analyzed in a lab. Keep reading to learn how accurate rapid tests are and when they’re used instead of PCR tests. ## [How accurate are rapid COVID-19 tests?]() [Rapid COVID-19 tests](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-what-is-going-on-with-rapid-covid-19-testing) often provide results within minutes and don’t need to be analyzed in a laboratory by a specialist. Most rapid tests are antigen tests, and sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably. However, the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/resources/antigen-tests-guidelines.html) stopped using the term “rapid” to describe antigen tests, because the FDA has also approved laboratory-based antigen tests. Rapid tests, also called point-of-care tests, can be performed at: - home with a [home COVID-19 test](https://www.healthline.com/health/at-home-coronavirus-test) - a doctor’s office - pharmacies - school clinics - long-term care facilities - airports - drive-through testing sites During the test, you or a medical professional will insert a cotton swab into your nose, throat, or both to collect mucus and cells. Your sample is then usually applied to a strip that changes color if you test positive for COVID-19. Although these tests provide quick results, they aren’t as accurate as laboratory tests because they require more of the virus in your sample to report a positive result. Rapid tests come with a high risk of giving a false negative result. A false negative means the test shows you don’t have COVID-19 when you do actually have it. ## [How accurate are at-home tests]() At-home tests aren’t as accurate as gold standard PCR tests, but they still play a role in catching COVID-19 cases that otherwise would have gone undetected. Like other antigen COVID-19 tests, [home COVID-19 tests](https://www.healthline.com/health/at-home-coronavirus-test) have a higher chance of a false negative than a false positive — meaning it’s more likely that the test will indicate you don’t have COVID-19 when you do have it than report you do have it when you don’t. In an [August 2021 study](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2783550), researchers compared the validity of home antigen tests compared to PCR lab tests for detecting COVID-19 infection. Within days 0 to 12 of symptom onset, the home tests correctly identified 78.9 percent of people who did have the virus and correctly identified 97.1 percent of people who didn’t have the virus. When taken within 3 days of symptom onset, home tests correctly identified 96.2 of COVID-19 cases. The researchers found tests taken 3 days after symptoms appeared were almost as accurate as tests taken the day symptoms started. ### Chances of a rapid test giving a false negative A [March 2021 review of studies](https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013705.pub2/full) examined the results of 64 test accuracy studies evaluating commercially produced rapid antigen or molecular tests. The researchers found that the accuracy of the tests varied considerably. Here’s a look at their findings. #### Accuracy for people with COVID-19 symptoms For people with symptoms of COVID-19, the tests correctly gave a positive result an average of 72 percent of the time. The 95 percent confidence intervals were 63.7 to 79 percent, meaning that the researchers were 95 percent confident that the average fell between these two values. #### Accuracy for people without COVID-19 symptoms The researchers found that people without COVID-19 symptoms correctly tested positive in 58.1 percent of rapid tests. The 95 percent confidence intervals were 40.2 to 74.1 percent. #### Accuracy during the first week of symptoms versus the second Rapid tests more accurately provided a positive COVID-19 result when administered during the first week of symptoms. The researchers found that rapid tests correctly identified COVID-19 in an average of 78.3 percent of cases during the first week. In the second week, the average dropped to 51 percent. #### Differences between brands The researchers found a large range of accuracies between manufacturers of the tests. Coris Bioconcept scored the poorest and correctly provided a positive COVID-19 result in only 34.1 percent of cases. SD Biosensor STANDARD Q had the highest score and correctly identified a positive COVID-19 result in 88.1 percent of people. In another [study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7927591/) published in April 2021, researchers compared the accuracy of four types of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests. The researchers found that all four tests correctly identified a positive COVID-19 case about half the time and correctly identified a negative COVID-19 case almost all the time. Here’s a summary of their findings: \| Brand \| Percent of positive COVID-19 cases correctly identified \| Percent of negative COVID-19 cases correctly identified \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| Roche \| 49\.4% \| 100% \| \| Abbot \| 44\.6% \| 100% \| \| MEDsan \| 45\.8% \| 97% \| \| Siemens \| 54\.9% \| 100% \| In people who show [symptoms of COVID-19](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/covid-19-symptoms-usually-show-up-in-this-order), antigen testing is more reliable because there’s more virus to capture in the sample. ### Chances of a rapid test giving a false positive Rapid tests rarely give a false positive result. A false positive is when you test positive for COVID-19 when you don’t actually have it. In the March 2021 review of studies mentioned earlier, the researcher found that rapid tests correctly gave a positive COVID-19 result in 99.6 percent of people. ## [If it’s less accurate, why is it used?]() Despite the relatively high chance of getting a false negative result, rapid COVID-19 tests offer several benefits over PCR tests. Rapid tests: - can provide results within minutes instead of days - are more portable and accessible than lab tests - are less expensive than lab tests - don’t require a specialist or lab Many airports, arenas, theme parks, and other crowded areas provide rapid COVID-19 testing to screen for potential positive cases. Rapid tests won’t catch every COVID-19 case, but they can catch at least some cases that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. ## [What to do if you have a negative rapid test result but still have symptoms?]() If your rapid test shows that you don’t have the coronavirus but you do have symptoms of COVID-19, it’s possible that you received a false negative. It’s a good idea to confirm your negative result with a more accurate PCR test. ## [How accurate are other COVID-19 tests?]() PCR tests are generally more accurate than rapid tests. CT scans are rarely used to diagnose COVID-19. Antibody tests can be used to diagnose past infection. ### PCR test PCR covid tests remain the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. A [January 2021](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7350782/) study found mucus PCR tests correctly diagnosed COVID-19 in 97.2 percent of cases. ### Computed tomography (CT) scans [CT scans](https://www.healthline.com/health/ct-scan) aren’t generally used to diagnose COVID-19, but they can potentially identify COVID-19 by identifying lung problems. However, they’re less practical than other tests and have trouble ruling out other types of respiratory infections. The same January 2021 study found that CT scans correctly identified a positive COVID-19 case 91.9 percent of the time but only correctly identified a negative COVID-19 case 25.1 percent of the time. ### Antibody tests [Antibody tests](https://www.healthline.com/health/medicare/does-medicare-cover-coronavirus-antibody-testing) look for proteins made by your immune system called antibodies that suggest past coronavirus infection. Specifically, they look for antibodies called IgM and IgG. Antibody tests can’t diagnosis current coronavirus infection. The January 2021 study found that IgM and IgG antibody tests correctly identified the presence of these antibodies in 84.5 and 91.6 percent of cases, respectively. ## [What to do if you think you have COVID-19?]() Most people with COVID-19 develop mild illness. If you think you have COVID-19, you should isolate yourself from others as soon as possible. The [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html) continues to recommend a 5-day quarantine unless you’re fully vaccinated against the coronavirus or had a positive COVID-19 result within the past 3 months. > Medical emergency > > Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have symptoms like: > > - [breathing trouble](https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-shortness-of-breath) > - [new confusion](https://www.healthline.com/coronavirus) > - an inability to stay awake or wake > - [chest pain](https://www.healthline.com/health/chest-pain) or pressure > - pale gray or blue nails, skin, or lips > - any other concerning symptoms ### Emergency symptoms in People of Color Discoloration of your nails, skin, or lips is a sign of oxygen deprivation. However, people with darker skin may not be able to recognize these symptoms as easily as people with light skin. ## [Takeaway]() Research suggests rapid COVID-19 tests are most accurate when used in the first week after symptoms start. The risk of getting a false negative result is relatively high with rapid tests. For people without symptoms, there’s a higher chance of getting a false negative result compared to people with symptoms. On the other hand, rapid tests give a false positive less than 1 percent of the time. A rapid COVID-19 test can be a useful preliminary test to see if you have the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. However, if you have symptoms and your rapid test comes back negative, it’s a good idea to confirm your results with a PCR test. ### How we reviewed this article: Sources History Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.healthline.com/about/process). - Böger B, et al. (2021). Systematic review with meta-analysis of the accuracy of diagnostic tests for COVID-19. <https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(20)30693-3/fulltext> - Coronavirus disease 2019 testing basics. (2021). <https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/coronavirus-disease-2019-testing-basics> - COVID data tracker. (2021). Dinnes J, et al. (2021). Rapid, point-of-care antigen and molecular-based tests for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. <https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home> - Harmon A. (2021). Validation of an at-home direct antigen rapid test for COVID-19. <https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2783550> - Interim guidance for antigen testing for SARS-CoV-2. (2020). <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/resources/antigen-tests-guidelines.html> - Olearo F, et al. (2021). Handling and accuracy of four rapid antigen tests for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 compared to RT-qPCR. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7927591/> - When to quarantine. (2021). <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html> Share this article ![](https://i0.wp.com/post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Michaela-Murphy-500x500-Bio.png?w=105&h=105) [Medically reviewed]() by [Michaela Murphy, PA-C]() — Written by [Daniel Yetman]() — [Updated on June 5, 2023]() ## related stories - [How Long After Exposure to COVID-19 Should You Get Tested?](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-after-exposure-should-i-get-tested?utm_source=ReadNext) - [What Are the Symptoms of Zika Virus, and When to See a Doctor](https://www.healthline.com/health/zika-virus-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext) - [How Does Mpox Spread?](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-is-mpox-spread?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Why Rheumatic Fever Causes Heart Inflammation (Carditis)](https://www.healthline.com/health/carditis-in-rheumatic-fever?utm_source=ReadNext) - [What’s the Difference Between Rheumatic Fever and Scarlet Fever?](https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatic-fever-vs-scarlet-fever?utm_source=ReadNext) ### Read this next - [How Long After Exposure to COVID-19 Should You Get Tested?](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-after-exposure-should-i-get-tested?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP](https://www.healthline.com/medical-team) [If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, it's important to get tested within 5 days. This is recommended even if you do not have symptoms.](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-after-exposure-should-i-get-tested?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-after-exposure-should-i-get-tested?utm_source=ReadNext) - [What Are the Symptoms of Zika Virus, and When to See a Doctor](https://www.healthline.com/health/zika-virus-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext) [Symptoms of Zika virus are typically mild and may include fever, rash, and joint pain. For most people, symptoms are not harmful, but the virus can…](https://www.healthline.com/health/zika-virus-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/zika-virus-symptoms?utm_source=ReadNext) - [How Does Mpox Spread?](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-is-mpox-spread?utm_source=ReadNext) [Mpox spreads through close contact, such as skin-to-skin or mouth-to-mouth contact. Learn more here.](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-is-mpox-spread?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-is-mpox-spread?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Why Rheumatic Fever Causes Heart Inflammation (Carditis)](https://www.healthline.com/health/carditis-in-rheumatic-fever?utm_source=ReadNext) [Rheumatic fever (RF) can lead to inflammation in various parts of the body, such as the joints, skin, brain, and heart. Heart inflammation is called…](https://www.healthline.com/health/carditis-in-rheumatic-fever?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/carditis-in-rheumatic-fever?utm_source=ReadNext) - [What’s the Difference Between Rheumatic Fever and Scarlet Fever?](https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatic-fever-vs-scarlet-fever?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP](https://www.healthline.com/medical-team) [Rheumatic fever and scarlet fever are caused by the same bacteria, but they present with different symptoms and complications.](https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatic-fever-vs-scarlet-fever?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatic-fever-vs-scarlet-fever?utm_source=ReadNext) - [What to Know About Pregnancy with a History of Rheumatic Fever](https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatic-fever-in-pregnancy?utm_source=ReadNext) [Rheumatic fever complications during pregnancy can pose serious health risks to both the pregnant person and the developing fetus.](https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatic-fever-in-pregnancy?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatic-fever-in-pregnancy?utm_source=ReadNext) - [WHO Recommends 'Breakthrough' Twice-Yearly Shot for HIV Prevention](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/lenacapavir-twice-yearly-injection-hiv-prevention?utm_source=ReadNext) [The WHO issued a global recommendation for lenacapavir, a highly effective, twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV infection. The recommendation…](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/lenacapavir-twice-yearly-injection-hiv-prevention?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/lenacapavir-twice-yearly-injection-hiv-prevention?utm_source=ReadNext) - [What to Know About Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Adults](https://www.healthline.com/health/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease-in-adults?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP](https://www.healthline.com/medical-team) [Adults can have hand, foot, and mouth disease. It is often milder than in children and can more easily spread. Most adults get better in 7 to 10 days.](https://www.healthline.com/health/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease-in-adults?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease-in-adults?utm_source=ReadNext) - [How Does Norovirus Spread?](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-is-norovirus-spread?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Carissa Stephens, R.N., CCRN, CPN](https://www.healthline.com/medical-team) [Norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea. It can spread through food, water, and surfaces touched by someone who has the virus. It usually gets better…](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-is-norovirus-spread?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-is-norovirus-spread?utm_source=ReadNext) - [First Case of Sexually Transmitted Fungal Infection Reported in US](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/first-case-of-sexually-transmitted-fungal-infection-reported-in-us?utm_source=ReadNext) [The first case of a sexually transmitted form of ringworm has been reported in the United States.](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/first-case-of-sexually-transmitted-fungal-infection-reported-in-us?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/first-case-of-sexually-transmitted-fungal-infection-reported-in-us?utm_source=ReadNext) © 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 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Readable Markdown	Antigen tests are one type of rapid test that may help diagnose COVID-19. Some rapid tests can provide results in 15 minutes. But, they may not be as accurate as other types of tests, such as a PCR lab test. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that can cause severe illness, especially in people with preexisting health conditions like [diabetes](https://www.healthline.com/diabetesmine/coronavirus-and-diabetes), [obesity](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-obesity-could-hinder-effectiveness-of-covid19-vaccine), or [high blood pressure](https://www.healthline.com/health/what-to-know-about-covid-19-and-high-blood-pressure). Two types of tests are commonly used to identify a current infection of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes [COVID-19](https://www.healthline.com/coronavirus). The first type is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, also called a diagnostic test or molecular test. A PCR test can help diagnose COVID-19 by detecting the genetic material of the coronavirus. PCR tests are considered the gold standard for diagnosis by the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/resources/antigen-tests-guidelines.html). The second type is an antigen test. These tests help diagnose COVID-19 by searching for certain molecules found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Rapid tests are COVID-19 tests that can provide results in as little as [15 minutes](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/coronavirus-disease-2019-testing-basics) and don’t require lab analysis. They usually take the form of antigen tests. Although rapid tests can provide quick results, they aren’t as accurate as PCR tests analyzed in a lab. Keep reading to learn how accurate rapid tests are and when they’re used instead of PCR tests. [Rapid COVID-19 tests](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-what-is-going-on-with-rapid-covid-19-testing) often provide results within minutes and don’t need to be analyzed in a laboratory by a specialist. Most rapid tests are antigen tests, and sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably. However, the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/resources/antigen-tests-guidelines.html) stopped using the term “rapid” to describe antigen tests, because the FDA has also approved laboratory-based antigen tests. Rapid tests, also called point-of-care tests, can be performed at: - home with a [home COVID-19 test](https://www.healthline.com/health/at-home-coronavirus-test) - a doctor’s office - pharmacies - school clinics - long-term care facilities - airports - drive-through testing sites During the test, you or a medical professional will insert a cotton swab into your nose, throat, or both to collect mucus and cells. Your sample is then usually applied to a strip that changes color if you test positive for COVID-19. Although these tests provide quick results, they aren’t as accurate as laboratory tests because they require more of the virus in your sample to report a positive result. Rapid tests come with a high risk of giving a false negative result. A false negative means the test shows you don’t have COVID-19 when you do actually have it. At-home tests aren’t as accurate as gold standard PCR tests, but they still play a role in catching COVID-19 cases that otherwise would have gone undetected. Like other antigen COVID-19 tests, [home COVID-19 tests](https://www.healthline.com/health/at-home-coronavirus-test) have a higher chance of a false negative than a false positive — meaning it’s more likely that the test will indicate you don’t have COVID-19 when you do have it than report you do have it when you don’t. In an [August 2021 study](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2783550), researchers compared the validity of home antigen tests compared to PCR lab tests for detecting COVID-19 infection. Within days 0 to 12 of symptom onset, the home tests correctly identified 78.9 percent of people who did have the virus and correctly identified 97.1 percent of people who didn’t have the virus. When taken within 3 days of symptom onset, home tests correctly identified 96.2 of COVID-19 cases. The researchers found tests taken 3 days after symptoms appeared were almost as accurate as tests taken the day symptoms started. Chances of a rapid test giving a false negative A [March 2021 review of studies](https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013705.pub2/full) examined the results of 64 test accuracy studies evaluating commercially produced rapid antigen or molecular tests. The researchers found that the accuracy of the tests varied considerably. Here’s a look at their findings. Accuracy for people with COVID-19 symptoms For people with symptoms of COVID-19, the tests correctly gave a positive result an average of 72 percent of the time. The 95 percent confidence intervals were 63.7 to 79 percent, meaning that the researchers were 95 percent confident that the average fell between these two values. Accuracy for people without COVID-19 symptoms The researchers found that people without COVID-19 symptoms correctly tested positive in 58.1 percent of rapid tests. The 95 percent confidence intervals were 40.2 to 74.1 percent. Accuracy during the first week of symptoms versus the second Rapid tests more accurately provided a positive COVID-19 result when administered during the first week of symptoms. The researchers found that rapid tests correctly identified COVID-19 in an average of 78.3 percent of cases during the first week. In the second week, the average dropped to 51 percent. Differences between brands The researchers found a large range of accuracies between manufacturers of the tests. Coris Bioconcept scored the poorest and correctly provided a positive COVID-19 result in only 34.1 percent of cases. SD Biosensor STANDARD Q had the highest score and correctly identified a positive COVID-19 result in 88.1 percent of people. In another [study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7927591/) published in April 2021, researchers compared the accuracy of four types of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests. The researchers found that all four tests correctly identified a positive COVID-19 case about half the time and correctly identified a negative COVID-19 case almost all the time. Here’s a summary of their findings: \| Brand \| Percent of positive COVID-19 cases correctly identified \| Percent of negative COVID-19 cases correctly identified \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| Roche \| 49\.4% \| 100% \| \| Abbot \| 44\.6% \| 100% \| \| MEDsan \| 45\.8% \| 97% \| \| Siemens \| 54\.9% \| 100% \| In people who show [symptoms of COVID-19](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/covid-19-symptoms-usually-show-up-in-this-order), antigen testing is more reliable because there’s more virus to capture in the sample. Chances of a rapid test giving a false positive Rapid tests rarely give a false positive result. A false positive is when you test positive for COVID-19 when you don’t actually have it. In the March 2021 review of studies mentioned earlier, the researcher found that rapid tests correctly gave a positive COVID-19 result in 99.6 percent of people. Despite the relatively high chance of getting a false negative result, rapid COVID-19 tests offer several benefits over PCR tests. Rapid tests: - can provide results within minutes instead of days - are more portable and accessible than lab tests - are less expensive than lab tests - don’t require a specialist or lab Many airports, arenas, theme parks, and other crowded areas provide rapid COVID-19 testing to screen for potential positive cases. Rapid tests won’t catch every COVID-19 case, but they can catch at least some cases that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. If your rapid test shows that you don’t have the coronavirus but you do have symptoms of COVID-19, it’s possible that you received a false negative. It’s a good idea to confirm your negative result with a more accurate PCR test. PCR tests are generally more accurate than rapid tests. CT scans are rarely used to diagnose COVID-19. Antibody tests can be used to diagnose past infection. PCR test PCR covid tests remain the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. A [January 2021](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7350782/) study found mucus PCR tests correctly diagnosed COVID-19 in 97.2 percent of cases. Computed tomography (CT) scans [CT scans](https://www.healthline.com/health/ct-scan) aren’t generally used to diagnose COVID-19, but they can potentially identify COVID-19 by identifying lung problems. However, they’re less practical than other tests and have trouble ruling out other types of respiratory infections. The same January 2021 study found that CT scans correctly identified a positive COVID-19 case 91.9 percent of the time but only correctly identified a negative COVID-19 case 25.1 percent of the time. Antibody tests [Antibody tests](https://www.healthline.com/health/medicare/does-medicare-cover-coronavirus-antibody-testing) look for proteins made by your immune system called antibodies that suggest past coronavirus infection. Specifically, they look for antibodies called IgM and IgG. Antibody tests can’t diagnosis current coronavirus infection. The January 2021 study found that IgM and IgG antibody tests correctly identified the presence of these antibodies in 84.5 and 91.6 percent of cases, respectively. Most people with COVID-19 develop mild illness. If you think you have COVID-19, you should isolate yourself from others as soon as possible. The [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html) continues to recommend a 5-day quarantine unless you’re fully vaccinated against the coronavirus or had a positive COVID-19 result within the past 3 months. > Medical emergency > > Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have symptoms like: > > - [breathing trouble](https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-shortness-of-breath) > - [new confusion](https://www.healthline.com/coronavirus) > - an inability to stay awake or wake > - [chest pain](https://www.healthline.com/health/chest-pain) or pressure > - pale gray or blue nails, skin, or lips > - any other concerning symptoms Research suggests rapid COVID-19 tests are most accurate when used in the first week after symptoms start. The risk of getting a false negative result is relatively high with rapid tests. For people without symptoms, there’s a higher chance of getting a false negative result compared to people with symptoms. On the other hand, rapid tests give a false positive less than 1 percent of the time. A rapid COVID-19 test can be a useful preliminary test to see if you have the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. However, if you have symptoms and your rapid test comes back negative, it’s a good idea to confirm your results with a PCR test.
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