PCR, antigen and antibody: Five things to know about coronavirus tests

To diagnose and contain the spread of coronavirus, testing is critical. There are two types of COVID-19 tests—those that are designed to detect whether you have the infection now, or those crafted to check whether you have been previously infected by the virus—SARS-CoV-2—that causes the disease. Like any other product these tests have varying degrees of accuracy and reliability, and can be used to achieve different aims.