PCR tests are the common form of COVID-19 testing. This is the process of collecting a sample through a nasopharyngeal swab or mouth swab. PCR tests are used to directly detect the presence of an antigen, rather than the presence of the body’s immune response, or antibodies.

By detecting viral RNA, which will be present in the body before antibodies form or symptoms of the disease are present, the tests can tell whether or not someone has the virus very early on. Once a patient has taken a PCR test, results are sent to a laboratory where their sample is analyse