If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (cough, fatigue, headache, body aches, chills, fever, etc.), an antigen test is recommended. An antigen test may be used in addition to a PCR test to more definitively rule out active COVID-19 infection, especially early on in your illness.

If you need a COVID-19 test for international travel, a PCR (polymerase chain reaction), i.e. NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) test, is recommended.

If you were exposed to an individual or a member of your household who tested positive for COVID-19, or if you need a COVID-19 test for international travel, a PCR/NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test), test is recommended.

If you suspect you were previously infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 or have recovered from a COVID-19 infection, an antibody test is recommended.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This tests for the presence of the actual virus’s genetic material or its fragments as it breaks down. PCR is the most reliable and accurate test for detecting active infection. PCR tests typically take hours to perform, but some are faster.

Antigen test. This detects bits of proteins on the surface of the virus called antigens. Antigen tests typically take only 15 to 30 minutes. Rapid antigen tests are most accurate when used within a few days of the start of your symptoms, which is when the largest amount of virus is present in your body.

COVID-19 antibody testing, also known as serology testing, is a blood test that's done to find out if you've had a past infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). An antibody test can't determine whether you're currently infected with the COVID-19 virus.