A member asked:

Is the covid rapid test ""trustworthy?"" i have heard that the pcr is the best one, the correct one, but is the rapid test ""ok?""/""acceptable?""

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Consistency: The rapid tests are fine for screening large asymptomatic populations, but do have substantial numbers of false negatives. PCR is both more accurate and reliable. Neither is perfect. If there is time available, the best choice is PCR.

Answered 2/19/2021

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

COVID 19 testing: Antigen testing is helpful for rapid screening - however, there are more false negative results then with PCR. The sensitivity of the antigen test differs for the different tests made by different companies. The PCR is more dependable.

Answered 2/18/2021

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