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This tool provides additional detail when used on a desktop or laptop computer.
This tool is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The diagnosis or treatment of any disease or condition may be based on personal history, family history, symptoms, a physical examination, laboratory test results, and other information considered important by your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about the meaning of your test results and before you stop, start, or change any medication or treatment.
The antibody tests (sometimes known as the serology tests or IgG tests) are intended for use as an aid in identifying individuals with an adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2, indicating recent or prior infection. Results are for the detection of SARS CoV-2 antibodies. IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are generally detectable in blood several days after initial infection, although the duration of time antibodies are present post-infection is not well characterized. At this time, it is unknown for how long antibodies persist following infection and if the presence of antibodies confers protective immunity. Individuals may have detectable virus present for several weeks following seroconversion. Negative results do not preclude acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. If acute infection is suspected, molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 is necessary. The antibody test should not be used to diagnose acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. False positive results for the antibody test may occur due to cross-reactivity from pre-existing antibodies or other possible causes.
The antibody tests and the molecular tests (together “All tests”) have not been FDA cleared or approved;
All tests have been authorized by FDA under EUAs for use by authorized laboratories;
The antibody tests have been authorized only for the detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens;
The molecular tests have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and,
All tests are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.
What do you want to know?
Planning to travel?
Use the CDC Travel Planner to get information on travel restrictions and COVID-19 testing requirements for your destination.
Do you have any COVID-19 symptoms right now?
You can ask your doctor for an antibody testing to see if you had a prior COVID-19 infection.
You can ask your doctor for testing or get tested at a public testing location.
Antibody testing determines the presence of antibodies that recognize markers of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, indicating that the body previously had been infected. In many diseases, the presence of antibodies confers immunity, but scientists have not verified if this is true for COVID-19. See the glossary section of our website to learn about the difference between Nucleocapsid Protein Antibody Tests and Spike Protein Antibody Tests.
PCR testing is used to accurately detect active infections. It is a type of molecular test and considered the gold standard for testing. PCR is the most commonly used nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
In the last two weeks, have you been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19?
Get a PCR test to see if you have COVID-19.
You can ask your doctor for testing or get tested at a public testing location.
PCR testing is used to accurately detect active infections. It is a type of molecular test and considered the gold standard for testing. PCR is the most commonly used nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
You can use an antigen test to see if
you have COVID-19.
Based on the IDSA guidelines, rapid RT-PCR or laboratory-based NAAT remain the diagnostic methods of choice for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, when molecular testing is not readily available or is logistically infeasible, antigen testing can help identify some individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The overall quality of available evidence supporting use of antigen testing was graded as very low to moderate.1
Because you have symptoms, you should still isolate yourself for 10 days even with a negative antigen test. Or until you can get a follow-up PCR test for confirmation.
If your antigen test is positive, isolate yourself for 10 days and get treatment if needed.
You can ask your doctor for testing or get tested at a public testing location.
- Hanson KE, Altayar O, Caliendo AM, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America Guidelines on the Diagnosis of COVID-19: Antigen Testing. Infectious Diseases Society of America 2021; Version 1.0.0. Published May 27, 2021. Accessed July 23, 2021. https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guideline/covid-19-guideline-antigen-testing/
PCR testing is used to accurately detect active infections. It is a type of molecular test and considered the gold standard for testing. PCR is the most commonly used nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
Antigen testing is used to identify active infections. It expands testing capacity as a fast, reliable, and affordable screening and diagnostic option.
The desktop version of this tool includes additional information on antigen testing guidelines for your reference.
PCR testing is used to accurately detect active infections. It is a type of molecular test and considered the gold standard for testing. PCR is the most commonly used nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
You can use an antigen test to see if
you have COVID-19.
Based on the IDSA guidelines, rapid RT-PCR or laboratory-based NAAT remain the diagnostic methods of choice for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, when molecular testing is not readily available or is logistically infeasible, antigen testing can help identify some individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The overall quality of available evidence supporting use of antigen testing was graded as very low to moderate.1
Because you have had a close contact, you should still isolate yourself for 10 days even with a negative antigen test. Or until you can get a follow-up PCR test confirmation.
If your antigen test is positive, isolate yourself for 10 days and get treatment if needed.
You can ask your doctor for testing or get tested at a public testing location.
- Hanson KE, Altayar O, Caliendo AM, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America Guidelines on the Diagnosis of COVID-19: Antigen Testing. Infectious Diseases Society of America 2021; Version 1.0.0. Published May 27, 2021. Accessed July 23, 2021. https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guideline/covid-19-guideline-antigen-testing/
PCR testing is used to accurately detect active infections. It is a type of molecular test and considered the gold standard for testing. PCR is the most commonly used nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
Antigen testing is used to identify active infections. It expands testing capacity as a fast, reliable, and affordable screening and diagnostic option.
The desktop version of this tool includes additional information on antigen testing guidelines for your reference.
You do not need to get tested at this time.
If you still would like to get tested, a PCR test is the best option to rule out an infection. If you cannot access a PCR test, an antigen test is also a reliable option.
You can ask your doctor for testing or get tested at a public testing location.
PCR testing is used to accurately detect active infections. It is a type of molecular test and considered the gold standard for testing. PCR is the most commonly used nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
Antigen testing is used to identify active infections. It expands testing capacity as a fast, reliable, and affordable screening and diagnostic option.
Get a PCR test to see if you have COVID-19.
You can ask your doctor for testing or get tested at a public testing location.
PCR testing is used to accurately detect active infections. It is a type of molecular test and considered the gold standard for testing. PCR is the most commonly used nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
Are you using organization-wide COVID-19 testing to test individuals with or without COVID-19 symptoms?
Diagnosing and isolating infected individuals as soon as possible is critical to preventing outbreaks.
Test individuals with COVID-19 symptoms (Diagnose individuals)
Screening people without symptoms is useful in settings such as offices, schools, airports, and nursing homes.
Test individuals without COVID-19 symptoms (Screen individuals)
Is it likely or confirmed that the symptomatic individual(s) has been exposed to COVID-19
(eg, current outbreak)?
During a high-prevalence outbreak where more than 20% of the population is infected, there is a much higher chance that individuals have been exposed to COVID-19.
During a high-prevalence outbreak where more than 20% of the population is infected, there is a much higher chance that individuals have been exposed to COVID-19.
Are you screening individuals who are entering your organization on a recurring basis or as a one-time occurrence?
PCR testing is used to accurately detect active infections. It is a type of molecular test and considered the gold standard for testing. PCR is the most commonly used nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
Use antigen testing for weekly screening.
CDC recommends conducting screening tests at least weekly. If there is substantial to high community transmission, frequency of screening may need to be increased.1 If community transmission is low, antibody testing may potentially to inform screening frequency (please note that CDC guidelines do not currently include antibody testing in screening protocols).
If results are negative, no need to isolate.
If results are positive, isolate and confirm with PCR testing.
Discontinue isolation only if PCR results are negative or after the individual has been isolated for 10 days.
Individuals can ask their doctor for testing or get tested at a public testing location.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Updated July 1, 2021. Accessed July 23, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/testing-overview.html
PCR testing is used to accurately detect active infections. It is a type of molecular test and considered the gold standard for testing. PCR is the most commonly used nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
Antigen testing is used to identify active infections. It expands testing capacity as a fast, reliable, and affordable screening and diagnostic option.
The desktop version of this tool includes additional information on antigen testing guidelines for your reference.
PCR testing is used to accurately detect active infections. It is a type of molecular test and considered the gold standard for testing. PCR is the most commonly used nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
Use antigen testing for pre-entry screening.
If results are negative, no need to isolate.
If results are positive, isolate and confirm with PCR testing.
Discontinue isolation only if PCR results are negative or after the individual has been isolated for 10 days.
Individuals can ask their doctor for testing or get tested at a public testing location.
PCR testing is used to accurately detect active infections. It is a type of molecular test and considered the gold standard for testing. PCR is the most commonly used nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
Antigen testing is used to identify active infections. It expands testing capacity as a fast, reliable, and affordable screening and diagnostic option.
Use PCR testing for diagnosis.
If results are negative,
no need to isolate.
If results are positive,
isolate and treat.
PCR testing is used to accurately detect active infections. It is a type of molecular test and considered the gold standard for testing. PCR is the most commonly used nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
Use PCR testing for diagnosis.
If results are negative,
no need to isolate.
If results are positive,
isolate and treat.
PCR testing is used to accurately detect active infections. It is a type of molecular test and considered the gold standard for testing. PCR is the most commonly used nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
Use antigen testing for first-line diagnosis.
Based on the IDSA guidelines, rapid RT-PCR or laboratory-based NAAT remain the diagnostic methods of choice for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, when molecular testing is not readily available or is logistically infeasible, antigen testing can help identify some individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The overall quality of available evidence supporting use of antigen testing was graded as very low to moderate.1
If results are negative, isolate and confirm because this person has had a known COVID-19 exposure.
Isolate for at least 10 days or until the individual can get a confirmatory PCR test and receives negative results.
If results are positive,
isolate and treat the individual.
Individuals can ask their doctor for testing or get tested at a public testing location.
- Hanson KE, Altayar O, Caliendo AM, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America Guidelines on the Diagnosis of COVID-19: Antigen Testing. Infectious Diseases Society of America 2021; Version 1.0.0. Published May 27, 2021. Accessed July 23, 2021. https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guideline/covid-19-guideline-antigen-testing/
PCR testing is used to accurately detect active infections. It is a type of molecular test and considered the gold standard for testing. PCR is the most commonly used nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
Antigen testing is used to identify active infections. It expands testing capacity as a fast, reliable, and affordable screening and diagnostic option.
The desktop version of this tool includes additional information on antigen testing guidelines for your reference.
Use antigen testing for first-line diagnosis.
Based on the IDSA guidelines, rapid RT-PCR or laboratory-based NAAT remain the diagnostic methods of choice for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, when molecular testing is not readily available or is logistically infeasible, antigen testing can help identify some individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The overall quality of available evidence supporting use of antigen testing was graded as very low to moderate.1
If results are negative, no need to isolate or use confirmatory testing.
If results are positive, isolate and confirm with PCR testing.
Discontinue isolation only if PCR results are negative or after the individual has been isolated for 10 days.
Individuals can ask their doctor for testing or get tested at a public testing location.
- Hanson KE, Altayar O, Caliendo AM, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America Guidelines on the Diagnosis of COVID-19: Antigen Testing. Infectious Diseases Society of America 2021; Version 1.0.0. Published May 27, 2021. Accessed July 23, 2021. https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guideline/covid-19-guideline-antigen-testing/
PCR testing is used to accurately detect active infections. It is a type of molecular test and considered the gold standard for testing. PCR is the most commonly used nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
Antigen testing is used to identify active infections. It expands testing capacity as a fast, reliable, and affordable screening and diagnostic option.
The desktop version of this tool includes additional information on antigen testing guidelines for your reference.
Antibody testing determines the presence of antibodies that recognize markers of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, indicating that the body previously had been infected. In many diseases, the presence of antibodies confers immunity, but scientists have not verified if this is true for COVID-19. See the glossary section of our website to learn about the difference between Nucleocapsid Protein Antibody Tests and Spike Protein Antibody Tests.
PCR testing is used to accurately detect active infections. It is a type of molecular test and considered the gold standard for testing. PCR is the most commonly used nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).
Antigen testing is used to identify active infections. It expands testing capacity as a fast, reliable, and affordable screening and diagnostic option.