There are 2 types of COVID-19 testing: Virus Testing and Antibody Testing.
Virus testing is the type that tells you if you currently have COVID-19. These tests are typically done using a nasal swab, oral swab, or saliva sample, and then sent to a lab. Virus testing is sometimes also called “PCR" testing.This type of test is most recommended by Quincy Public Schools as it is considered the "gold standard" in testing.
Rapid antigen testing is also available at most sites. This type of test is not as accurate as PCR testing and can have false negatives.
Antibody testing is the type that helps you find out whether you may have been infected with COVID-19 in the past. This is a blood test that looks for antibodies, which are proteins in your blood that fight infections. Antibody testing is important to help us understand how many people have been exposed to the virus.
At this time, most people don’t need antibody tests and they should not be used to guide decisions on whether to stop isolation or return to work. Currently, there is no proof that antibodies in your blood means that you are immune from further infection with COVID-19.
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