Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid (antigen) tests for COVID-19 both involve taking a swab. Results for a PCR test take longer, as it needs to go to a laboratory. It is more costly but tends to ...

A common rapid at-home COVID test has become the subject of a recent product recall over concerns the antigen test hasn't received proper U.S. authorization. The Food and Drug Administration issued a ...

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were the first available for spotting the coronavirus. They work by detecting the virus’s genetic material, and are very accurate. Then came rapid tests, also ...

The explosion of omicron cases in the U.S. smack in the middle of the holiday season is forcing Americans to rely more heavily on rapid tests prior to congregating with friends and family. In some ...

A PCR test is often considered the gold standard for detecting coronavirus infection. It’s the test some employers want employees to take before returning to work after having Covid-19, and the one ...

In early January, more than 700 Stanford University athletes took rapid Covid tests upon returning to the campus. Those who tested negative — and some who tested positive — were also given PCR tests.

The emergence of the omicron variant is spurring a scramble for COVID-19 lateral flow tests, to try and ensure safe holiday parties and family gatherings. The U.K. is dealing with a supply crunch for ...

The pandemic isn’t over. Although it's no longer considered a national and public health emergency, we're currently seeing a surge in cases and the spread of two new variants—EG.5 (Eris) and BA.2.86 ( ...

How do rapid antigen COVID-19 tests work? Why did the US government just pledge to buy 280 million of them? And is that even enough to help curb the spread of the virus? As part of President Biden’s ...