Many categories of tests are being used to detect COVID-19 infection and their performance characteristics vary. Some tests produce rapid results, while others take more time to process. In addition, tests may need to be performed by trained laboratory professionals, while some tests are performed in point-of-care settings and even others at home. Testing can vary in regards to sensitivity and specificity, with some tests being very sensitive (producing few false-negative results) and others being very specific (few false-positive results), while others may have less sensitivity and specificity.
It should be noted that the selection and interpretation of COVID-19 tests should be based on the context in which they are being used, including the prevalence of the COVID-19 infection in the population being tested and the status (signs, symptoms, and contacts) of the person being tested.
As previously noted, testing can broadly be categorized into diagnostic (viral) tests and antibody (serology) tests.
