When Should You Take A PCR Test Vs. A Rapid Antigen Test?
click to expand
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It's a question many are asking -- when do you take a PCR COVID-19 test versus taking a rapid test?
The prime time to take a PCR test is when you have had a known or suspected exposure to someone with COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms and want to find out if you have a Coronavirus infection.
Contrary to what some still think is best, a rapid antigen test is what you should be taking after you have had COVID-19 for several days and want to confirm you're probably no longer infectious to other people.
The CDC's current isolation guidance is that if you have access to a COVID-19 test and want to take it, the best approach is using a rapid test towards the end of your five-day isolation period.
Read more