What Kind of COVID Test is Right for Me?

What Kind of COVID Test is Right for Me?

By Oswald's Pharmacy Team

There are many more COVID-19 testing options available now than last year. How do these tests work? Are they effective? Let’s walk through some of the options.

Keep in mind that while some tests are great for at-home testing, others require trips to a local testing facility. If you have questions about whether or not a test is in-home or on-site, call or email the provider to find out.

“OTC rapid antigen tests are convenient for Oswald’s customers as they can be performed at home.” – Laboratory Director Brian N. Kelly, PhD, DABCC, FAACC

QuickVue COVID-19 Antigen Test Information

This is a relatively inexpensive COVID-19 antigen test performed in the comfort of your own home– allowing for privacy and no record of being tested.

  • The test is a gentle nasal swab, approved for people ages 2 and older. 
  • Results take 10 minutes, but the test must be performed TWICE over two days with at least 24 hours and no more than 36 hours between tests. 
  • Not as accurate as a PCR test.
  • Increased chance for user error – please closely follow the directions. 
  • This test is not accepted for travel. 

BD Veritor COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Information

“Antigen testing can be performed onsite at Oswald’s and results provided in as little as 15 minutes.” Laboratory Director Brian N. Kelly, PhD, DABCC, FAACC

This is a nasal antigen test to detect COVID-19 viral proteins.

  • The test is a gentle nasal swab, approved for people ages 2 and older, collected by the patient themselves.
  • Quicker than both the over-the-counter Antigen test and the PCR test – patients receive results in as little as 15 minutes.
  • The rapid antigen test is good at detecting symptomatic cases of COVID-19. 
    • If you are asymptomatic but prefer antigen testing, the recommended wait time to get an antigen test is 5-7 days after exposure to a positive COVID-19 patient.
      • Testing BEFORE the 5–7-day period increases the chance of a false negative.
  • Trained laboratory technicians instruct specimen collection, as well as perform the test, reducing the chance of user error.
  • This test is accepted for some travel, (it depends on the airline and country you are traveling to.)

Molecular PCR COVID-19 Test Information

“PCR is still considered the gold standard for detection of infection with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) due to the sensitivity and specificity of the test.” Laboratory Director Brian N. Kelly, PhD, DABCC, FAACC

This is a nasal PCR test to detect COVID-19 viral genetic material.

  • The PCR test is the most accurate test on the market. It is the best test to detect asymptomatic cases of COVID-19.
  • The test is approved for people ages 4 and older.
  • The nasal specimen is collected by a laboratory technician and is a little more invasive than an antigen test.
  • The wait time for results is longer, with an average wait time of 48 hours. 
  • The PCR test is required for most international travel, (it depends on the airline and country you are traveling to.)

Assure Tech POC Covid-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Device Information

“If you are curious about past infection, the antibody test at Oswald’s is a reliable means to show antibodies to SARS-CoV-2” Laboratory Director Brian N. Kelly, PhD, DABCC, FAACC

This is an antibody blood test to detect past cases of COVID-19 – NOT active cases of COVID-19.

  • An NHA-certified phlebotomist collects blood from a vein.
  • Venous blood is used rather than capillary blood from a finger prick.
    • Venous blood is more representative of all of the components of your blood, (such as COVID-19 antibodies!)
  • Results take as little as 10 minutes.

COVID-19 Testing Summary

“Laboratory-based tests, either rapid antigen, antibody, or PCR are performed at a higher standard than OTC tests and their results can be trusted. Oswald’s laboratory undergoes blind testing by a third party on a regular basis. Oswald’s laboratory staff have continually scored 100% on these tests, which means that Oswald’s laboratory exceeds the national average for quality and accurate test results.” 

Laboratory Director Brian N. Kelly, PhD, DABCC, FAACC

COVID-19 Tests Available at Oswald’s Pharmacy

 

COVID-19 Testing button. Image of the text and $99.00 price. COVID-19 PCR Testing button. Image of the text and $125.00 pricing.Rapid 1 Hour PCR/Molecular Drive Up COVID-19 Testing button image. Image of the title and a $199 price over the Oswald's logo.

COVID-19 Antibody Testing button. Image of the text and $49.00 pricing.