Home  /  FAQ’s

FAQ's

What is the accuracy of a COVID-19 PCR and rapid test?

  • Rapid COVID test accuracy differs than the standard PCR test.
  • PCR tests are 99% accurate. Therefore, the false positive rate of antigen testing should be close to zero.
  • For Antigen tests, false negative results tend to occur more often than with PCR tests. This is why Antigen tests are not favored by the FDA as a single test for active infection. Because Antigen testing is quicker and requires less complex technology to perform than molecular testing, some experts recommend repeated Antigen testing as a reasonable strategy.
  • Having an Antibody test too early can lead to false negative results. That is due to the reasoning that it takes a week or two after infection for your immune system to produce antibodies. The reported rate of false negatives is 20%. However, the range of false negatives is from 0% to 30%, depending on the study and when in the course of infection the test is performed.

For more information on COVID-19 test accuracy visit the MIT Medical Site

Share this post:

Sign up for COVID-19 care tips and news

No paperwork, no hassle. We keep things digital and easy.

Schedule Your COVID-19 Test Now
Book your COVID-19 PCR, Antigen, and Antibody test at one of our convenient locations. Select the testing location, date, time, and let us know who is testing.