Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid (antigen) tests for COVID-19 both involve taking a swab. Results for a PCR test take longer, as it needs to go to a laboratory. It is more costly but tends to ...

As the various subvariants of omicron continue to circulate in the U.S., rapid at-home tests remain an important tool for protecting yourself and others. Home tests are appealing because they allow ...

Antigen tests can identify the presence of antigens within the body, which are substances that cause immune responses, such as the release of antibodies. The immune system, and antibodies specifically ...

The need for speed led to widespread adoption of antigen testing for SARS-CoV-2 last year. However, now that the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved, the role for such testing is changing as well, new ...

A new study adds to evidence that common rapid tests may fail to detect some Omicron cases in the first days of infection. By Emily Anthes and Christina Jewett A small, new real-world study suggests ...

ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as they’re published. The promise of antigen tests emerged like a miracle this ...