Know The Difference!

PCR vs. Rapid Antigen

PCR Test

Polymer chain reaction (PCR) tests are typically performed in a laboratory or healthcare setting. Using a swab, you or a technician will collect a sample of cells from your nose, mouth, or throat.

After collection, the samples are treated with an enzyme solution and examined under extreme amplification (copied multiple times). The technique allows test centers to identify the exact genetic materials in the sample, including the identity of a specific virus. The test can also differentiate between different variants—or strains—of a virus.

Since the tests examine microscopic bits of a virus’s genetic material, they are highly reliable—often close to 100%. The downfall to the process is the time that it takes and the fact that lab analysis is required to get results.

PCR tests can be performed quickly when there is an urgent need, but they take at least a few hours to produce results. If you are not close to the lab that is doing your test, it can add extra time. Increased demand and the number of tests a particular lab is responsible for can also delay your results. The hours that the test takes to complete can turn into days when distance and demand are factored in.

In mid-2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began approving at-home PCR test kits that allow you to collect a sample at home and then send it to a lab for testing.

 

Rapid Antigen Test

Rapid antigen testing looks for pieces of the viral proteins from the SARS-CoV-2 virus (antigens) that causes COVID-19 rather than genetic material (nucleic acid from the virus). These tests are quick and are often used to detect other viruses that cause illnesses like the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The FDA has approved several rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 because they offer a more simple and accessible option for testing. They can also produce results in under an hour.

How To Get Tested

Book Your Appointment

Book your appointment by completing and submitting the booking form.

Receive Your QR code

Receive your QR code with your personal information. Don’t worry, your information is stored temporarily on an encrypted server and is removed after 6 months.

Take Your Test

Our mobile test taker comes to your location to retrieve your survey answers and sample.

Receive Your Results Online

Use your QR code or patient information to access your results. We will also email the results to the email address provided.

Book Your Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a PCR test?

PCR test: Stands for polymerase chain reaction test. This is a diagnostic test that determines if you are infected by analyzing a sample to see if it contains genetic material from the virus.

What is a rapid antigen test?

Rapid antigen tests, which are less sensitive than P.C.R. tests, are designed to detect proteins on the surface of the virus. If genetic mutations alter these proteins, it could affect the tests’ ability to detect the virus. So each time a new variant emerges, researchers need to re-evaluate the tests.

 

When do I get my results?

We offer a variety of results delivery times ranging from same day to next day.

How do I get my test results?

You receive your test results via email and or text message in the form of an image document.

How do I get my QR code?

You receive your QR code via email. We can also send it via text message upon request at 323-524-9415.

How soon can you get here if I make an appointment right now?

Text us at 323-524-9415 to check our availability for same day appointments.

What areas do you service?

We service LA county and Orange County. Travel fees apply to neighboring counties depending on location.

How much are travel fees?

We charge a travel fee range of $25-$50 depending on location of testing.

What are your operational hours?

We operate from 8am to 8pm PST. We charge a $50 after hours fee for testing conducted after 8pm PST.

We Provide Rapid PCR & Antigen Results Offered For Clearance

Rapid Antigen Tests That Are FDA Approved

We provide immediate results online by our licensed doctor that is COLA certified. You can receive your results digitally by QR code.

  • Rapid Testing Allows for Effective Isolation
  • Rapid Testing is Simple
  • Rapid Testing Helps Limit Economic Impact
  • Rapid Testing Now Available at In Home Health Tests

Types Of Kits That We Use

Types Of COVID-19 Testing Types

COVID-19 tests can detect either SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, or antibodies that your body makes after getting COVID-19 or after getting vaccinated.

Tests for SARS-CoV-2 tell you if you have an infection at the time of the test. This type of test is called a “viral” test because it looks for viral infection. Antigen or Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) are viral tests.

Tests for antibodies may tell you if you have had a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. Your body creates antibodies after getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 or after getting vaccinated against COVID-19. These tests are called “antibody” or “serology” tests.

Viral Tests

A viral test tells you if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. There are two types of viral tests: rapid tests and laboratory tests. Viral tests use samples that come from your nose or mouth. Rapid tests can be performed in minutes and can include antigen and some NAATs. Laboratory tests can take days to complete and include RT-PCR and other types of NAATs. Some test results may need confirmatory testing.

Self-tests are rapid tests that can be taken at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results. COVID-19 self-tests are one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, masking, and physical distancing, that protect you and others by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19.

Antibody Tests

An antibody test (also known as a serology test) can detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in your blood. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to help fight infection and protect you from getting sick in the future.

Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose a current infection, but may indicate if you had a past infection. Antibody tests help scientists learn about how human immune systems defend against the virus, as well as learn about population-level protection.

Antibody testing is not currently recommended to determine:

  • If you have a current infection.
  • If you have immunity to SARS-CoV-2 following COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Whether you need to get vaccinated if you are not fully vaccinated.
  • Whether you need to quarantine after a known or suspected exposure to COVID-19.

You should always discuss your test results with your healthcare provider.

What You Need To Know About COVID-19 Variants

  • Genetic lineages of SARS-CoV-2 have been emerging and circulating around the world since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • SARS-CoV-2 genetic lineages in the United States are routinely monitored through epidemiological investigations, virus genetic sequence-based surveillance, and laboratory studies.
  • On November 30, 2021, the U.S. government SARS-CoV-2 Interagency Group (SIG) classified Omicron as a Variant of Concern (VOC). This classification was based on the following:
    • Detection of cases attributed to Omicron in multiple countries, including among those without travel history.
    • Transmission and replacement of the Delta variant in South Africa.
    • The number and locations of substitutions in the spike protein.
    • Available data for other variants with fewer substitutions in the spike protein that indicate a reduction in neutralization by sera from vaccinated or convalescent individuals.
    • Available data for other variants with fewer substitutions in the spike protein that indicate reduced susceptibility to certain monoclonal antibody treatments.
  • The SIG Variant classification scheme defines four classes of SARS-CoV-2 variants:
    • Variant Being Monitored (VBM)
      • Alpha (B.1.1.7 and Q lineages)
      • Beta (B.1.351 and descendent lineages)
      • Gamma (P.1 and descendent lineages)
      • Epsilon (B.1.427 and B.1.429)
      • Eta (B.1.525)
      • Iota (B.1.526)
      • Kappa (B.1.617.1)
      • 1.617.3
      • Mu (B.1.621, B.1.621.1)
      • Zeta (P.2)
    • Variant of Interest (VOI)
    • Variant of Concern (VOC)
      • Delta (B.1.617.2 and AY lineages)
      • Omicron (B.1.1.529 and BA lineages)
    • Variant of High Consequence (VOHC)
  • To date, no variants of high consequence have been identified in the United States.
  • Vaccines approved and authorized for use in the United States are effective against the predominant variant circulating in the United States and effective therapeutics are available. CDC continues to monitor all variants circulating within the United States.

Our Site Director Is COLA Certified

What is COLA?

COLA, Inc. is a physician-directed organization whose purpose is to promote health and safety through accreditation and educational programs. In 1993, COLA was granted deemed status by CMS to provide laboratory accreditation. As a leading laboratory accreditor in the United States, COLA is the only laboratory accreditation provider that operates its accreditation program in accordance with a quality management system certified to ISO 9001:2015. This means they offer their customers a unique, standardized program and staff dedicated to satisfaction and laboratory quality. Their surveyors and technical advisors are guided by a coaching approach and uncomplicated quality engineered processes. Laboratories of all types and sizes are evaluated and mentored to produce accurate test results and meet CLIA regulations.

RT-PCR Test

RT-PCR Test

he nose swab PCR test for COVID-19 is an accurate and reliable test for diagnosing COVID-19. A positive test means you likely have COVID-19. A negative test means you probably did not have COVID-19 at the time of the test. Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Rapid Antigen Test

Rapid Antigen Test

Rapid antigen tests, which are less sensitive than P.C.R. tests, are designed to detect proteins on the surface of the virus. If genetic mutations alter these proteins, it could affect the tests' ability to detect the virus. So each time a new variant emerges, researchers need to re-evaluate the tests.

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