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This COVID-19 test detects certain proteins in the virus. Using a long nasal swab to get a fluid sample, some antigen tests can produce results in minutes. Others may be sent to a lab for analysis.
It's possible to have a positive test result even if you never had any symptoms of COVID-19 . False-positive test results can occur. It may be that the test detected antibodies to a coronavirus closely related to the COVID-19 virus or that the test quality was flawed.
PCR tests are very accurate when properly performed by a health care professional, but the rapid test can miss some cases.
“PCR tests are more reliable and accurate due to testing the specific genetic material of the virus, eliminating the interference from other viruses,” said Heather Seyko, a Laboratory Services manager for OSF HealthCare.
The investigators also point out that false-positives are possible due to administering the test too early or late in the infectious stage, or from incorrectly performing the self-test.
A false-positive antigen test result means that the test says the person has COVID-19 but they are actually do not have COVID-19.
RT-PCR tests are not perfect, Alland said. “After the first week of infection, there is a decline in virus shedding in the respiratory tract, where tests can become falsely negative,” he said.
PCR tests are more accurate than antigen tests. "PCR tests are the gold standard for detecting SARS-CoV-2," says Dr. Broadhurst. "It is the most accurate testing modality that we have.
The good news is that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), PCR and rapid antigen tests can still detect Omicron as well as previous variants.
“PCR would be chosen where there is a low likelihood of having the virus, but we want to be certain the patient doesn't have it. Antigen would be chosen if there is a high probability the patient has the virus (i.e. is experiencing symptoms), and we need to screen the patient as positive or negative,” Heather said.
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based diagnostic tests (which detect viral nucleic acids) are considered the gold standard for detecting current SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Rapid antigen tests are most accurate when they are used in people who have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, especially during the first week of illness. People who test negative may still be infected.
A faint line also can mean the tester didnt swab well enough to provide a good test sample. A brighter line indicates the patient has more virus in their body and is likely to be sicker and more infectious.
There is a very small chance that this test can give a positive result that is wrong (a false positive result). Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine how best to care for you based on your test result(s) along with your medical history, and your symptoms.
If the window on the testing stick shows two lines, the tester is positive for COVID-19. The opaqueness of the lines also can indicate more, Vail said. If the line is fainter, the patient is likely to be less sick, less infectious, or might be nearing the end of infection, Vail said.
After a positive test result, you may continue to test positive for some time after. You may continue to test positive on antigen tests for a few weeks after your initial positive. You may continue to test positive on NAATs for up to 90 days.