Finding the right tests…
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Emergency services available 24 x 7
Finding the right tests…
Molecular
This is the standard molecular test for a current SARS-CoV-2 infection - a swab from the nose or the back of the throat, checked for the virus's genetic material rather than antibodies or a past-exposure signal. It's the test doctors reach for when someone has symptoms and a reliable answer matters more than speed: it can pick up an infection at lower viral levels than a rapid antigen kit, which is why it stays the reference standard health authorities compare faster tests against. A positive result means active infection is present at the time of the swab; it says nothing about immunity or a past episode.
A 'detected' or 'positive' result means the virus's genetic material was found in your sample - an active infection, whether or not you have symptoms. 'Not detected' or 'negative' means none was found at a level the test could pick up, which is reassuring but not absolute: testing too early after exposure, or a shallow swab that under-collects the sample, can both produce a false negative.
The lab converts any viral RNA in your swab into a DNA copy, then repeatedly copies a specific stretch of that DNA until there's enough to trigger a detectable signal - a process sensitive enough to catch an infection well before symptoms would make it obvious on their own.
The virus concentrates deeper in the nasal passage or at the back of the throat, not right at the nostril opening - a rushed or shallow swab can under-collect material and contribute to a false negative even in someone who is genuinely infected.
Testing too soon after a known exposure, before the virus has had time to multiply in your airway, can return a negative result that later turns positive on a repeat test. If your symptoms or exposure history still point toward COVID-19 despite a negative result, your doctor may recommend testing again after a few days.
Rapid antigen tests and point-of-care molecular platforms are faster and don't need a full lab workflow, but generally need more virus present in the sample to turn positive - this test remains the more sensitive option when an early or borderline infection needs to be caught reliably.
This test detects the virus's genetic material directly and can pick up smaller amounts of virus, while an antigen test looks for viral proteins and generally needs more virus present to turn positive. That's part of why this test is considered more reliable, especially early in an infection.
Yes - testing too soon after exposure, before the virus has multiplied enough in your airway, or a shallow swab that under-collects the sample can both produce a false negative even in someone who is genuinely infected.
A positive result confirms active infection at the time of the swab, but this test can't tell you how infectious you currently are - your doctor will guide you on isolation based on your symptoms and how long it's been since they started.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
A trained professional inserts a soft swab into your nose or the back of your throat to collect cells from where the virus concentrates - it takes only a moment, though it can be briefly uncomfortable.
There's no fasting requirement for this test since it isn't a blood draw - ask your doctor or the centre about any other preparation specific to your situation.
It can, if you were tested very early in the infection. If your doctor still suspects COVID-19 despite a negative result, retesting after a few days is a normal next step, not a sign the first test was done wrong.
No - this test only detects an active infection at the time of the swab. A separate antibody test would be needed to look for signs of a past infection, and that's a different kind of test entirely.