PCR tests are used to directly detect the presence of an antigen, rather than the presence of the body’s immune response, or antibodies. By detecting viral RNA, which will be present in the body before antibodies form or symptoms of the disease are present. The samples are obtained through swathes of nasopharyngeal swab. Results within 12-24 hours.

Detects the presence of a protein—the nucleocapsid protein—which is part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that is the cause of COVID-19. Samples are collected via nasal cavity swabs, which are placed into a special solution for virus detection. Results within 10-15 minutes.

It is a blood test that looks for signs of a previous COVID-19 infection. It detects antibodies, which are proteins in the blood that fight-off infection. The sample is obtained by a blood sample form the fingertip. Results within 10-15 minutes.