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 ...

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 ...

Scientists and public health experts built the COVID-19 pandemic response on years of experience navigating infectious disease outbreaks. Although lateral flow immunoassays have been central to ...

In a recent review published in Nature Reviews Bioengineering, researchers assessed the changing landscape of lateral flow tests (LFTs), and the development of next-generation LFTs based on lessons ...

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 ...

Liquid crystals, the same technology found in TV screens, strip thermometers, and mood rings, could soon be used in the next generation of COVID tests. According to scientists at the University of ...

It's a common scenario for anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and spent several days in isolation. You’ve tested positive for COVID, done the responsible thing and isolated. Now it’s day 5, ...