How Are People Tested For COVID-19?
COVID-19Common questionHow are people tested for COVID-19?Most tests to diagnose COVID-19 require a swab of your nose, or the part of the throat behind the nose, by a health care provider. A few tests use saliva (spit) or other types of collection methods. For most tests, the swab or sample must be sent to a lab for analysis.
Are there different types of COVID-19 diagnostic tests?
There are 2 different types of COVID-19 diagnostic tests -- molecular tests and antigen tests. Molecular tests detect the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2. Antigen tests detect specific proteins made by the virus.
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions | FDA
How is a COVID-19 diagnostic test collected?
For a COVID-19 diagnostic test, a health care professional takes a sample of mucus from your nose or throat, or a sample of saliva. The sample needed for diagnostic testing may be collected at your doctor's office, a health care facility or a drive-up testing center.
COVID-19 diagnostic testing
What are the differences between the nasal swab and saliva tests for COVID-19?
See full answerSamples for COVID-19 tests may be collected through a long swab that is inserted into the nose and sometimes down to the throat, or from a saliva sample.The saliva test is easier to perform — spitting into a cup versus submitting to a swab — and more comfortable. Because a person can independently spit into a cup, the saliva test does not require interaction with a healthcare worker. This cuts down on the need for masks, gowns, gloves, and other protective equipment, which has bee
If you've been exposed to the coronavirus
What kind of sample is used to test for COVID-19?
See full answerSwab samples use a swab (similar to a long Q-Tip) to collect a sample from the nose or throat. The types of samples include:•Anterior Nares (Nasal) – takes a sample from just inside the nostrils•Mid-turbinate – takes a sample from further up inside the nose•Nasopharyngeal – takes a sample from deep inside the nose, reaching the back of the throat•Oropharyngeal – takes a sample from the middle part of the throat (pharynx) just beyond the mouthSaliva samples are collected by spittin
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Testing Basics | FDA