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Faced with the coronavirus threat, we want fast and accurate answers. Many of us have heard different terms — PCR, serological test, antigen test, rapid antibody test... A dilemma arises — how do these tests differ and which one to take?

COVID-19 tests: which to choose and how do they differ?

COVID-19 tests: which to choose and how do they differ?

Faced with the coronavirus threat, we want fast and accurate answers. Many of us have heard different terms – PCR, serological test, antigen test, rapid antibody test... A dilemma arises – how do these tests differ and which one to take?

Both antibodies and antigens can be detected in our body. The production of antibodies is the body's response, taking place during infection and immunisation. Antibodies help find out whether a person has had a certain infection and has partial immunity. Antigens, meanwhile, are protein molecules found in viruses, bacteria and other living organisms. In the case of infection, antigens stimulate the body's immune response already discussed and promote the production of antibodies.

Let's look in more detail at antigen and antibody tests and their main differences.

Antigen COVID-19 test

Rapid antibody test
  • The function of this test is to diagnose coronavirus infection or rule out a diagnosis.
  • The COVID-19 virus is made up of many proteins called antigens. When taking this test, a sample is taken from the floor of the nose in the nasopharynx with a swab.
  • The antigen COVID-19 test is very often done to confirm a diagnosis in symptomatic patients, when it's urgent to clarify what caused a fever and other signs of illness – whether an ordinary cold or coronavirus infection.
  • The procedure is carried out by a nurse or ENT doctor. It lets you quickly find out whether there are infections in a larger group.
  • The antigen test has a low price and fast results, which you'll find out after about 5 minutes.
  • PRICE: 19 EUR
  • The antibody test shows the body's fresh response to infection or a recent encounter with the infectious agent.
  • It helps find out whether the patient has had COVID-19 infection and has developed immunity. This test is also relevant for patients experiencing coronavirus symptoms in cases where repeated (PCR) infection tests are negative.
  • The antibody test is done by examining a sample of the patient's blood from the finger.
  • Like the antigen test, the antibody test has fast results: you'll find out the answer after about 5 minutes.
  • The answers aren't absolute; additional tests (e.g. PCR) may be needed to confirm a diagnosis.
  • PRICE: 19 EUR

Patients are also offered PCR and serological antibody tests. Here's what's important to know:

PCR test

Serological antibody test
  • Able to detect the virus's genetic material.
  • Taken with a swab from the patient's nasopharynx.
  • Most informative when done at an early stage of infection, in the first week.
  • The test is used for people with COVID-19 symptoms, as well as for people in risk groups who have had close contact with infected persons.
  • Waiting for the result takes 1–2 days or even longer.
  • The test is regarded as extremely accurate, but “false positive” or “negative” answers can occur. An illness is diagnosed not by a single indicator or test, but tests help confirm or rule out the diagnosis.
  • PRICE: 75 EUR
  • Examines the immune response to the virus quantitatively – how many and what kind of antibodies are in the blood.
  • A blood sample is taken from a vein.
  • The answer is received the same day in the evening.
  • It's best to do this test in the second/third week of infection, because that's when the immune response to the virus is activated. Also after recovering, to know how many antibodies have formed in the body and whether immunity is sufficient.
  • The test is fairly cheap and quick. Many medical institutions and laboratories have the necessary equipment.
  • Even after having had COVID-19 and having antibodies, it doesn't mean there's no risk of reinfection. This is determined by the numerical value confirmed by testing – how many antibodies have formed.
  • PRICE: 20 EUR

Medics remind us – if you feel signs of illness, it's important not to panic. It may be an ordinary cold. Still, if you face a temperature that won't subside for a long time, laboured breathing, a dry cough and strong fatigue, you must urgently take an antigen COVID-19 test (you can register at AND klinika) or register at the nearest coronavirus testing point.

Already had COVID-19 infection? In that case it's useful to know whether you have immunity. For this purpose, come to AND klinika, where we'll quickly and painlessly carry out an extremely accurate serological antibody test!

We wish you to stay healthy!

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