Antigen self-test:

These test kits are also sometimes called “rapid antigen tests”, “lateral flow tests” or “home tests” and are freely available for sale online and over-the-counter in supermarkets and pharmacies.  They are easy to use and can be done at home. An antigen self-test shows whether certain proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus are present on your mucous membranes. If they are, this indicates infection.

For some antigen self-tests you need to take a sample from inside your nose.  For others, taking a sample means you have to spit, suck something or gargle. To find out exactly what you need to do, read the instructions belonging to your particular test kit and follow them exactly. If you are not going to use a test kit straight away, you should also follow the instructions on storage.

The result of an antigen self-test is usually visible within 15 to 30 minutes.

Rapid antigen test

Rapid antigen tests are sometimes just called “quick tests” and are carried out by specially-trained people. Like a self-test, a rapid test also checks the mucous membranes to find out whether particular proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus are present.  For these tests, a sample is usually taken from the nose or throat. The result of the test is available in 15 to 30 minutes.

PCR Test

A PCR test or lab test is the “gold standard” among the coronavirus tests. It is based on the so-called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which allows the hereditary material of the virus to be copied many times over. This makes it possible to detect the virus even when it is only present in the body in small quantities. As with antigen self-tests, the sample for a PCR test is taken from your throat, for which the swab is inserted into your mouth, or from the back of your nose, for which the swab is inserted into your nose. The sample is then sent to a lab to be analyzed.

PoC-NAAT Test

Like PCR tests, these tests are based on nucleic acid amplification technology (NAAT). However, they have the advantage that they can provide a result quickly and can therefore be used at the Point of Care (PoC) itself. The sensitivity is somewhat lower than that of a PCR test and the error rate is higher.

Antibody test

After an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the body develops special proteins that can be detected in the blood. These proteins may not be detectable in the body until a few weeks after the infection.  An antibody test therefore only shows if someone has had COVID-19 in the past and does not show whether they are infected at the time the test is carried out.

Further information about COVID tests is available at infektionsschutz.de, the website of BZgA (the Federal Centre for Health Education).

Detailed instructions on the use of self-tests are available from the Robert Koch Institute.

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