The difference between diagnostic, antibody, and antigen tests for the coronavirus

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• Diagnostic or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are currently being used to diagnose patients with COVID-19.
  
  
• Antibody tests allow for more accurate tracking of the spread of the coronavirus. People who test positive for coronavirus antibodies can also donate plasma.
• Antigen testing is not on the market yet, but Massachusetts-based E25Bio is among several companies seeking FDA approval for at-home test kits.
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With new information released all the time, it can be difficult to keep track of how doctors are testing for the coronavirus.&

While identifying and treating infected patients is critical, some tests add to our greater understanding of the pandemic's size, impact, and direction. Here is a breakdown of the differences between diagnostic, antibody, and antigen testing.See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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