How Do COVID-19, PCR and Antigen , Tests Compare?.<br />CBS reports that as demand for COVID-19 <br />tests grows, choosing and using <br />different types of tests can be confusing.<br />PCR tests are reportedly <br />considered to be the "gold standard" when <br />it comes to spotting SARS-CoV-2 infections. .<br />In comparison, antigen tests, otherwise known <br />as lateral flow tests, are reportedly less <br />sensitive than their PCR counterparts. .<br />However, antigen tests are a popular <br />alternative, as they can be taken at home<br />and return quicker results. .<br />According to CBS News, antigen tests work <br />best in symptomatic people within <br />the first week of infection. .<br />Last year, one review estimated that <br />antigen tests may only spot about 75% <br />of cases that a PCR test would detect. .<br />PCR tests are still by far the best test <br />and those are the tests that most hospitals <br />are using to identify COVID-19 patients, Dr. Emily Volk, president of the College <br />of American Pathologists, via 'CBS Mornings'.<br />PCR tests are still by far the best test <br />and those are the tests that most hospitals <br />are using to identify COVID-19 patients, Dr. Emily Volk, president of the College <br />of American Pathologists, via 'CBS Mornings'.<br />Currently, antigen tests remain in short <br />supply and can be difficult to find at <br />many stores or online retailers. .<br />CBS reports that starting this month, <br />the White House plans to offer a website <br />that will distribute free at-home tests. .<br />The plan reportedly will require health insurers to reimburse the cost of purchasing at-home tests. .<br />The appropriate tool in this pandemic <br />to answer the question, 'Do I need to isolate? <br />Am I infectious and a risk to my neighbors?' <br />is using a rapid antigen test because it only <br />stays positive as long as you are infectious, Dr. Michael Mina, Chief science officer at eMed, <br />via 'CBS Mornings'
