- Why does the pcr covid test take so long

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There are two types of tests for COVID the PCR test and the antigen test. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This tests for the presence of the actual virus’s genetic material or its fragments as it breaks down. PCR is the most reliable and accurate test for detecting active infection. PCR tests typically take hours to perform, but some are faster. Dec 28,  · A PCR Tester Has Lifted The Lid On Why You’re Waiting Ages For A COVID Test Result. A pathology worker has spilled the beans on why PCR test results are taking ages to arrive and the prognosis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique that uses selective primers to “copy” specific segments of a DNA sequence. COVID PCR tests use primers that match a segment of the virus’s genetic material. This allows many copies of that material to be made, which can be used to detect whether or not the virus is present.      

- How Long Does It Take to Get COVID Results by Test Type?

  "Typically, a PCR test takes six hours from start to finish to complete," says Kelly Wroblewski, director of infectious disease programs at the. You should receive your test results as early as 24 hours after sample collection, but sometimes it can take a few days, depending on how long.