Which Is Better, a PCR or a Rapid Test?

Aside from getting your COVID vaccine Brooklyn, NY, or elsewhere, testing will be an important risk-reduction measure in living the ‘new normal’ with the COVID-19 disease. That is why, it is vital to know which of the two types of diagnostic testing—PCR test or rapid test—is right for you.

As your partner in health and a provider of rapid PCR test in Brooklyn, New York at Gena Care Pharmacy, here is what you need to know.

First, we must examine the key difference between the two. PCR tests can detect evidence of disease in the earliest stages of infection even when there is only a very small number of pathogens in the body.

Rapid tests, on the other hand, as they are less sensitive, need higher viral loads to detect an infection.

So, which is better? It depends on your situation.

Rapid tests can be bought in most pharmacies and only takes 15-20 minutes for results to show. These are ideal for those who are asymptomatic or have minor symptoms but may have been exposed to COVID-19.

PCR tests are typically done by a medical professional and may take 24 hours up to 3 days for results to show. These are more sensitive and, thus, are more accurate, making them the gold standard in testing. These are ideal for those who have begun showing symptoms but whose rapid test come back negative.

Our pharmacy in Brooklyn, New York offers both testing for your convenience.

Should you avail of our services, please be reminded that rapid test results are typically expected within 2 hours while PCR test results are typically expected within 24 hours. That said, they are not guaranteed within a specific time frame. Shipping, weather, or other unforeseen events may impact turnaround time.

Still unsure which test to get? We would love to help you! Be sure to contact us today.

We can also accommodate patients with complex disease states at our HIV specialty pharmacy in Brooklyn, New York. Get in touch with us for assistance.