Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test

PCR tests have been the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19 since the early stages of the pandemic. This highly sensitive test detects the genetic material of the virus, providing accurate results. A healthcare professional collects a sample from the nasal cavity or throat using a swab, and the sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. While PCR tests offer high accuracy, results may take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the testing facility\’s capacity.