The biochemistry of COVID tests - an overview of PCR & antigen tests

When it comes to COVID tests, there are 2 main types - “PCR tests” and “antigen tests.” PCR tests look for evidence of the viral genetic information by trying to make lots of DNA copies of a region of it and seeing if copies get made. Because you’re making copies, it’s super sensitive (sometimes too sensitive for your purposes). Antigen tests look for viral proteins, typically the Nucleocapsid (N) protein. They don’t make copies, so they’re less sensitive but are typically faster and can be done at home. Here’s more of the biochemistry behind them… more on PCR tests: http://bit.ly/coronavirustesting &    • how coronavirus tests work (the traditiona...   more on antigen tests: blog: https://bit.ly/antigentestbiochemistry ; YouTube:     • The science of rapid COVID-19 antigen tests     more coronavirus resources (including details on how the other tests work) here: https://bit.ly/covid19bbresources ⠀