COVID-19 Testing
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. There are two types of tests for this virus:
- A viral test tells you if you have a current infection. Viral tests can either be rapid tests or laboratory tests:
- Rapid tests can be done in minutes. They are often antigen tests, which look for specific proteins from the virus. Some rapid tests are self-tests which you can do at home.
- Laboratory tests can take days to complete and include PCR tests.
- An antibody (serology) test might tell you if you had a past infection.
If you need a COVID-19 test, you can:
- Buy a self-test online or at a store. Make sure that the test you buy has been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Check your state or local health department's website for information on testing in your area.
- Contact your health care provider.
Even if your COVID-19 viral test is negative (the test did not detect the virus), you should still take steps to protect yourself and others.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Symptoms, tests and care options
Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.
- Antibody Serology Tests · National Library of Medicine
- At-Home Medical Tests · National Library of Medicine
- Directory of Local Health Departments · National Association of County and City Health Officials
Questions for your care team
General prompts to help prepare for your appointment.
- How does this information apply to my situation?
- Which symptoms or results need evaluation?
- Which tests are useful, and what can they tell us?
- What care options, benefits, and risks should we discuss?
- When should I seek urgent help, and whom should I call?
- When is follow-up, and how will we know whether the plan is working?
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.
Browse all patient guides