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COVID-19 is a pandemic affecting the Australian population, and it’s essential to get tested to know if you are infected. There are many different types of tests that can be performed and several variations within each category. But this article will discuss the difference between an RT-PCR test and a rapid antigen test so you can make an informed decision about your health.
Why You Need to Get Tested for COVID-19
COVID-19 is a relatively new virus that has been linked to severe respiratory illness and death in Australia. It belongs to the same family as other viruses, including the common cold and influenza.
COVID-19 is spread by breathing in droplets from an infected person’s coughs or sneezes. It can be treated with antiviral medications, and vaccines have already been created to combat the virus.
You should get the vaccine if you are at high risk of exposure—for example, if you work in healthcare or live with someone who does—or if your company requires it for employees working with vulnerable populations such as children and older adults (who have weaker immune systems).
Getting tested can help health officials monitor future cases more closely than they could otherwise do by asking patients whether they have any symptoms associated with COVID-19 when admitted into hospitals.
Different Types of COVID-19 Tests
There are many rapid covid test kits for sale in Australia; however, there are two main types of Covid tests available in the market today. The most common type is the Polymerase Chain Reaction test or PCR or RT-PCR. This test detects specific genetic material that indicates the presence of COVID-19 in a sample of the patient’s mucus from either nose or throat. These sequences are then amplified so they can be identified more easily.
The second type of test is called a Rapid Antigen Detection Test (RADT). RADTs work by recognising antibodies produced by the body when it’s exposed to viruses such as COVID-19. These antibodies bind with specific antigens on viruses or bacteria when they’re present in a person’s system. This allows doctors to determine if an infection has occurred based on whether these antibodies are present or not.
What Is a PCR test?
PCR tests are used to confirm a diagnosis of COVID-19, identify patients who have been infected with the virus and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
A PCR test is an in vitro diagnostic test that detects genetic material from viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites in human body fluids or tissues. It involves amplifying specific sections of DNA via polymerase chain reaction technology.
How Does a PCR Work?
In an emphasis on the explanation above, a PCR test is a molecular test that uses the principles of DNA amplification to detect the presence of a specific DNA sequence in a sample. It’s used to amplify small amounts of DNA for use in genotyping and other applications.
To use PCR technology, researchers first create two complementary strands (designated as forward and reverse) from the sample DNA fragments. These strands are then heated until they separate into single strands. Primers are added at this point which will bind to each strand to initiate replication from one end of each molecule until all four molecules have been replicated once again into two identical sets of double-stranded DNA molecules.
What Is an Antigen Test?
An antigen test is a rapid test that can detect the presence of COVID-19. It is recommended to use this test in conjunction with other tests such as PCR tests, which are more accurate but take longer to run. Antigen tests are immunoassays and use an antibody to detect whether or not there is an antigen for COVID-19 present at a certain location on your sample.
Antigen tests are quick and easy but don’t provide as much detail as other methods of testing, such as PCR. They’re also less sensitive than other techniques so you could get a negative result even if you’re infected (though this is unlikely). That said, some people may prefer them because they’re simple enough for anyone to do at home without needing special equipment or training from a medical professional.
How Accurate Are Antigen Tests?
Antigen tests are a good way for doctors to get an idea about whether you’ve been exposed to Covid, but they aren’t usually used alone. Other types of Covid tests are more accurate at determining whether someone has the virus.
Antigen tests are easy to use and fast because they don’t require blood samples or other invasive procedures. They’re also cheap because most health insurance plans cover them as part of their coverage for routine medical services (like vaccines).
How Does an Antigen Test Work?
An antigen test detects the virus in your body by looking for antibodies. This means that if you have recently had Covid or have been in contact with someone exposed to the virus, your immune system will already be producing antibodies against the virus and you should test positive. The antigen test is an immunoassay and samples can be collected from mucus in the nose or mouth.
Antigen tests are usually used to confirm a positive PCR result or rule out infection when there are no other symptoms present. They’re also used as one part of an early diagnosis tool (along with antibody testing) when it’s suspected that someone may have been exposed recently (within 7 days).
Which Test Fits Your Situation?
PCRs and antigen tests are the two types of Covid testing that are currently used in Australia. However, not all situations require the use of both types of tests.
A PCR is preferred if there is a high risk of contamination or if the patient’s immune system is compromised. It can also be used when you want to confirm the results of an antigen test.
On the other hand, an antigen test is ideal for most patients as it has fewer risks than a PCR and provides more information about your condition at one time than a PCR does—and it can be done with a single sample instead of multiple samples as with PCRs.
As with any medical procedure, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before undergoing any sort of testing or treatment so that you can make informed decisions about which type would work best for your needs and circumstances!
Takeaways
We have discussed the two types of Covid tests currently available in Australia. We have outlined how they work, how fast and accurate the results are and discussed their benefits and drawbacks. This information should help you make an informed decision about which type is right for your needs.
Sources:
https://www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19/testing
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid-19/testing
https://safeworklaboratories.com.au/pcr-vs-antigen-covid-test/
https://ib.bioninja.com.au/standard-level/topic-3-genetics/35-genetic-modification-and/pcr.html