What Are the Most Popular COVID-19 Tests?

— A roundup of the most commonly used diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2

by Kristina Fiore, Director of Enterprise & Investigative Reporting, MedPage Today

Last Updated November 12, 2020
MedpageToday
5 of the COVID-19 tests mentioned in this article.

Editor's Note: The sensitivity and specificity figures below are company-reported, from highly controlled lab experiments, and probably do not reflect real-world use. For further context on the state of COVID-19 testing in the U.S., please see this related MedPage Today story.


The FDA has authorized nearly 230 diagnostic tests for COVID-19, but which ones are most commonly used? Through interviews with companies, lab directors and pathologists, MedPage Today has compiled a list of key players.

We've grouped them by molecular versus antigen tests. Molecular tests identify viral RNA (frequently, but not always, through PCR testing), while antigen tests detect viral surface proteins. Either type can yield "rapid" tests, but antigen tests are inherently faster.

However, antigen tests are not as sensitive as molecular tests, carrying a greater chance of false negatives. Indeed, the emergency use authorization for each of the antigen tests indicates use in symptomatic patients only.

Still, antigen tests are driving the point-of-care testing that many experts have urged. Most of these tests require the purchase of an instrument, but the machines are generally much smaller than PCR analyzers. Only the self-contained BinaxNOW, which is the size of a credit card, doesn't require instrumentation.

The Trump administration has purchased 150 million BinaxNOW tests from Abbott and is distributing them to schools and nursing homes. Notably, it was the test used at the White House when a superspreader event occurred there.

A key to the information below: EUA = emergency use authorization; IFU = instructions for use. All sensitivity/specificity figures are manufacturer-reported and based on strict adherence to protocols for sample collection and handling. Note that result turnaround times specify only how long it takes to obtain results after a sample is placed in the analyzer; it does not account for sample transportation, in-lab backlogs in processing samples, or reporting of results, which often make for significant delay. Serology tests for anti-coronavirus antibodies are not covered here.

Molecular Tests

Antigen Tests

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    Kristina Fiore leads MedPage’s enterprise & investigative reporting team. She’s been a medical journalist for more than a decade and her work has been recognized by Barlett & Steele, AHCJ, SABEW, and others. Send story tips to k.fiore@medpagetoday.com. Follow