There are three different ways to test for COVID-19: PCR tests, antigen tests and antibody tests. Here are the differences.

People with asymptomatic or mild illness generally test negative after nine days. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test can be positive for up to 90 days after infection.

A false positive result is possible with a rapid COVID-19 test. It happens when a person does not have COVID-19 but still tests positive for the disease.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test kits for COVID-19 use what’s known as gene cloning – not reproductive cloning – to detect the presence or absence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but social ...

If a rapid test produces a negative result but you have a cough, fever or other symptoms, the CDC recommends you also do a PCR test.

If you're experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or fatigue, a diagnostic test—either PCR or antigen—is recommended to confirm an active infection.

In this article, we look at what an antigen test is, how it works, and the benefits and risks of this type of test. We also compare antigen tests with PCR tests.

Most people who contract COVID-19 likely won’t experience symptoms for more than two weeks at most, but could test positive months following infection.

The PCR test, which involves replicating a segment of COVID-19 DNA, is distinct from human cloning. In addition, the paper cited as evidence predates the pandemic and is unrelated to human cloning.