{"id":29748,"date":"2021-10-18T10:00:30","date_gmt":"2021-10-18T15:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ipromo.com\/blog\/?p=29748"},"modified":"2021-10-18T20:41:56","modified_gmt":"2021-10-19T01:41:56","slug":"how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.ipromo.com\/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests\/","title":{"rendered":"How Accurate Are Rapid COVID Tests?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Source: Octus_Photography\/Shutterstock\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues on, even people who are fully vaccinated are growing more and more concerned about new ultra-contagious variants. Quarantining while waiting days for PCR (<\/span>polymerase chain reaction)<\/span> tests often feels untenable, and rapid tests given at doctors\u2019 offices can get expensive. With these different options, COVID-conscious consumers are wondering: <\/span>How accurate are rapid COVID tests<\/span><\/a>?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>rapid COVID test kits for sale at iPromo<\/span><\/a> all have FDA EUA approval and have had great results in clinical trials showing how accurate they are at detecting COVID-19 infections. <\/span>Quidel\u2019s QuickVue rapid test is accurate<\/span><\/a> at detecting positive cases 83 percent of the time. <\/span>Abbott\u2019s BinaxNow rapid test accuracy<\/span><\/a>, as well as <\/span>OraSure\u2019s IntelliSwab test accuracy<\/span><\/a>, is roughly the same, as studies found they detected 84 percent of positive tests. Even better, Quidel boasts 99 percent accuracy at detecting negative cases, with Abbott and OraSure just behind it at 98 percent accuracy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rapid Tests vs. PCR Rests<\/b><\/h2>\n

The <\/span>differences between the rapid test and the PCR test<\/span><\/a> come down to the science behind them. As explained by Yale Medicine, the way you get the test sample for both tests is the same \u2014 by inserting a swab up the nose and twisting or wiping it to get enough of a sample to test for COVID-19. When getting a test at a doctor\u2019s office, you generally will have the swab go pretty far up the nose, which can get uncomfortable. With the at-home tests, the directions that come with the tests say to insert the swab about an inch into your nostril and twirl it around for 10-15 seconds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Buy Rapid Covid Test Kits in Bulk Now<\/a><\/p>\n

The biggest differences between these tests are a) where the samples are tested and b) the method used to determine whether the person tested has COVID-19.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Source: Photoroyalty\/Shutterstock<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are COVID PCR Tests?<\/b><\/h2>\n

For the PCR test, samples are sent to laboratories and tested by technicians \u2014 which is why many medical professionals still consider them the gold standard for COVID testing. As Yale Medicine noted, these tests used to take multiple days at the beginning of the pandemic because there was a lack of both supply and available technicians to do the testing, and they are turned around much faster now as the supply chain has gotten up and running. Using a range of chemicals and medical equipment, PCR tests check the DNA from a sample to see if it\u2019s positive for COVID.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because they require lots of work \u2014 from a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist administering or supervising the test to securely being shipped to labs where they\u2019re then processed by technicians \u2014 PCR tests still take anywhere from 18 to 72 hours to get results back. IPromo carries PCR tests which are perfect for companies or organizations looking for large on-site testing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are Rapid COVID Tests?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Rapid tests, also known as antigen tests, have a different approach to figure out whether someone has COVID. Antigen tests also use DNA to determine if the person the sample is collected from has COVID, but the results come back much quicker because it uses a reagent (the liquid that comes with these types of test kits) that you use directly on the sample right after taking the nasal swab. If your company or organization is planning on inviting employees back to the office or have in person conferences planned, putting their health and safety will be a high priority. The best solution is to have your employees tested before getting involved in any in-person events. Ipromo offers a number of Covid Testing kits that can be done on-site, at home and even an eMed version that incorporates a travel app for anyone travelling via airports.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Source: Basilico Studio Stock\/Shutterstock<\/span><\/p>\n

Get These Bulk Sanitizers ASAP<\/a><\/p>\n