BY DEVON CARTER

We’ve all felt uncertain at times during the COVID-19 pandemic. Do I have the coronavirus? Should I get tested? Do I need to quarantine?

Rapid coronavirus tests may offer comfort – and convenience – to some, but are the results accurate? We asked Micha Bhatti, M.D., Ph.D., if these tests are dependable and five other common questions related to rapid coronavirus tests.

How do rapid COVID-19 tests work?

There are two types of rapid COVID-19 tests that detect the coronavirus. One type is a sped-up, smaller version of the PCR tests. It’s also molecular-based, so it’s looking for genetic material from the virus in the mucus and infected cells in the sample from the patient. The sample is collected by inserting a cotton swab up the nose or running it along the inside of the cheek. The collected material is then added to a tube of fluid, and that’s what we’re testing in the lab.

The other style of rapid test looks for antigens of the virus, which are proteins on the surface of the virus. The mucus and cells are collected in the same way as a PCR test, but these tests may not require a lab to determine the results. These tests often come as flat, plastic cards that contain a test strip. The test strip reacts with coronavirus antigens present in the patient’s mucus sample, and the strip typically changes color to indicate that the patient is positive.

How long does it take for the results of a rapid COVID-19 test?

These tests produce the results in under 30 minutes.