Science and Tech Spotlight: COVID-19 Testing | NLM

Disaster Information Management Research Center | NLM

Science and Tech Spotlight: COVID-19 Testing

05/20/2020 12:00 AM EDT

Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). Published: 5/20/2020. This two-page Spotlight looks at the three types of FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests. Molecular and antigen tests help diagnose active infections. Molecular tests look for the virus’s genetic material, while antigen tests look for unique parts of the virus. Results can be used for quarantines, routing supplies, and other uses. Serology tests look for antibodies in the blood to help determine prior exposure. (PDF)