Covid 19 pandemic interrupted the world in many ways. Countries were economically affected, and people lost their sources of livelihood as companies shut down. Many others lost their lives after being hospitalized. Medical practitioners got overwhelmed due to the escalating number of cases. Experts had to come up with measures to contain the situation all over the world. Among these measures was the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines and testing. Many people began to buy covid tests in UK and other parts of the world to test themselves and their loved ones. 

Before the introduction of self-test kits, individuals would go to healthcare facilities to get tested. They would have to wait for long queues outside laboratories for their test results to be delivered. These tests are known as the PCR tests. They are used by healthcare professionals in a laboratory setting. Their counterparts are rapid flow tests. Those ones allow people to test themselves in other settings like organizations. In this article, we discuss the difference between the two. 

Understanding the PCR Tests and Rapid Flow Tests

PCR tests are, in other words, known as polymerase chain reaction tests. As for the rapid flow tests, they are also known as the lateral flow tests. The two have helped combat covid 19 and its variants. Up to now, the virus is still spreading. For example, the UK saw an upward surge to 5975 as of December 9, 2023, marking an increase in infections by 38.6%. They determine whether individuals have particular pathogens found in the virus. However, the two are different in terms of their methodology, sensitivity, and turnaround time. 

Turn Around Time

The two differ in many ways, including the time it takes for the tests to produce results. This is the period of time between getting samples and seeing the results. When it comes to the polymerase chain reaction PCR tests, samples have to go through a laboratory for processing, which makes the tests take longer. There may be other factors that determine how long the results will take, like the amount of workload in the laboratory and the location for testing. Generally, if you go for a PCR test in any laboratory, you will need to wait for a period of a few hours to a few days. 

For rapid flow tests, the case is different. They live up to their name. These tests can only take you 15 to 30 minutes to get your results. That’s remarkably a short time, right? With such a quick turnaround, rapid flow tests are effective in situations where immediate information is needed. 

Methodology

PCR tests involve the polymerase chain reaction. In this method, the genetic material gets amplified, which allows the detection of the specific DNA or RNA sequences associated with the pathogen in question. PCR tests are highly sensitive and can detect even the most minimal amounts of viral genetic material. That is among the key benefits of the PCR tests. 

On the other hand, rapid flow tests are known for detecting specific antigens or proteins on the surface of the virus. When you put a sample on the test strip, it will quickly show a line indicating the virus’s presence.

Sensitivity 

As mentioned earlier, PCR tests are known for their high sensitivity. They are very effective even when detecting low viral loads. That is why PCR tests have acquired the title of the gold standard for covid 19 diagnostic testing. 

When it comes to the rapid flow tests, generally, they have a lesser sensitivity compared to of the PCR tests. They have been effective in detecting the covid 19 cases that have a higher viral load. That said, they are very reliable for screening purposes because they can provide quick results. 

Use Cases

PCR tests found their niche in healthcare facilities, clinical settings, and laboratories. Even though both tests are effective for covid 19 testing, PCR tests are the preferred option when it comes to confirming the cases of individuals who have shown symptoms. They are a reliable method for testing when traveling purposes. 

On the other hand, lateral flow tears are the most preferred choice when it comes to mass testing exercises. They are the best choice for community screening where a lot of samples are involved, and there is a need for swift results. They are the most frequently used in events, airports, and school settings. With a lot of individuals who require knowing their status within a short time, lateral flow tests are the most recommended.

Wrap up

In conclusion, making a choice between using rapid flow tests and PCR tests largely depends on different factors. That includes the context of testing and the testing needs at that particular time. However, it is important to note that the sensitivity of the PCR tests is unparalleled, but they have a longer turnaround time. If you intend to get quick results, the best option would be to go for rapid antigen tests. As mentioned earlier, they are the most effective for testing in settings like organizations, schools, and airports. If you understand these differences, you are better placed to make the right decisions as the world continues with the war against covid 19.