A lot of confusion exists among people regarding the difference between all the tests relating to COVID-19. Here is the difference between a rapid antigen test and a PCR test:

Rapid antigen test (RAT):

Rapid antigen test (RAT) detects specific viral antigens on the virus's surface from a swab of the mouth and nose of a patient. An antigen test can determine if you are carrying the Coronavirus. The FDA approved the antigen test for emergency use in May 2020. However, these tests aren't as accurate as a regular PCR test (PCR has an accuracy rate of 95% while the antigen test has an accuracy rate of 73%), and they produce higher chances of getting false positives (meaning the test will show you have COVID-19, but you actually don't). 

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR):

The covid PCR test is a test that detects genetic material from COVID in swabs taken from the patient's nose and mouth. 

How does it work? COVID is a virus containing RNA as genetic material. In a PCR test, scientists convert the viral RNA to DNA through 'reverse transcription. A PCR is highly accurate and has a very low rate of false positives. This is considered the "gold standard" for diagnosing COVID. It is one of the fastest and most accurate tests for Covid-19. 

EMA Care has helped many people get the Covid-19 test done accurately and adequately. We have also helped many people who entered Israel to get both Covid-19 PCR tests and antibody testing. These two tests are required if you wish to enter Israel. 

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