Types Of Covid Tests

There are two broad types of COVID lab tests, distinguished by the method they use to detect infection:

  1. Viral Testing – Per CDC, any authorized assay for viral testing that detect either SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid or antigen. Recommended to diagnose acute infection of both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, to guide contact tracing, treatment options, and isolation requirements.  There are two major subtypes:
  2. Antibody Testing - in-lab test identifies the immune response to COVID (antibodies). The FDA has not authorized antibody tests to diagnose SARS-CoV-2.  It is not approved for diagnosing current infection but may help determine whether an individual was previously infected. Issues with cross-reactivity to other similar virus antibodies. Commonly used for surveillance testing and epidemiologic studies.

RESOURCES:

Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Interim Guidance for Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2

Using Antibody Tests for COVID-19

Covid Testing Strategies

There are also three broad categories for COVID testing strategies by the CDC:

  1. Diagnostic - used to identify current infection in symptomatic patients or asymptomatic close-contacts.
  2. Screening - used to identify infected persons who are asymptomatic and without known or suspected exposure. Screening testing is performed to identify persons who may be contagious so that measures can be taken to prevent further transmission.
  3. Surveillance - used to gain information at a population level with de-identified results returning in aggregate and not to the individual. It is intended to monitor community - or population-level outbreak of disease, or to characterize the incidence and prevalence of disease.
  4. Surveillance testing cannot be used for individual decision-making.