A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test detects genetic material from a pathogen or abnormal cell sample. Ways of collecting samples include a nasal swab, a saliva swab, or taking a sample of blood.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid (antigen) tests for COVID-19 both involve taking a swab. Results for a PCR test take longer, as it needs to go to a laboratory. It is more costly but tends to ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Matt Binnicker is the CSO for Mayo Collaborative Services. Dr. Matt Binnicker, an expert in the diagnosis of infectious diseases, ...

There are plenty of rapid tests now. So what do we do with them? Millions of Americans have purchased rapid COVID-19 tests online or at local stores and signed up to receive test kits through a free ...

Cities and states across the country are looking to expand coronavirus testing as part of efforts to emerge from lockdowns, but two major barriers remain: how to screen huge parts of the population ...

PCR processes are the diagnostic gold standard when it comes to identifying coronavirus infections. Unlike rapid antigen tests, they function even in the case of a low viral load and detect the ...