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Differences Between Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test and PCR Test

6 June 2025

Rapid SARS-CoV-2
Antigen Test

Type of sample: Nasopharyngeal
Sensitivity: 98%
Delivery time: 60 min
What does it detect?
Presence of certain proteins of the virus structure
Active disease
Availability: For all the public

PCR Test

Type of sample: Nasopharyngeal and pharyngeal
Sensitivity: 99%
Delivery time: 24- 48 h
What does it detect?
Presence of the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2
Active disease
Availability: Inpatients at Centro Médico ABC

How is the SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test performed?

The SARS CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of specific SARS-CoV-2 antigens present in the human nasopharynx.

Differences Between Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test and PCR Test
Differences Between Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test and PCR Test

COVID-19 Screening Tests

SARS-CoV-2 NGS
(Next Generation Sequencing)

Sampling

Nasopharyngeal swab

Characteristics

It aims to identify variants for SARS-CoV-2.

Who should get tested?

Anyone who knows they have an active COVID-19 test result and needs to know which variant they are carrying.

Availability

Observatorio Campus

Clinical Laboratory

business hours

Monday to Sunday

6:45 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Delivery time

7 – 10 business days

Schedule your appointment online

Save time and fill out your documents online from the comfort of your home.

Ac SARS-CoV-2 IgG Proteína S
(Spike)

Sampling

Quantitative test

Características

Detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (antibody response against the spike protein in people who have already received the full course of the COVID-19 vaccine).

Who should get tested?

Already vaccinated people who wish to measure the level of protection generated by the COVID-19 vaccine.

Availability

Both Campuses

Clinical Laboratory

Business hours

Monday to Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Delivery time

6 hours

Schedule your appointment online

Save time and fill out your documents online from the comfort of your home.

Rapid SARS-CoV-2
Antigen Test

Sampling

Nasopharyngeal test

Characteristics

It aims to measure the presence of certain proteins in the structure of the virus.

Who should get tested?

People who have symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, fatigue, or shortness of breath.

People who are asymptomatic but have had close contact with someone who tested positive or is suspected of having the virus within the first 7 days.

Availability

Observatorio Campus: Clinical Laboratory

Santa Fe Campus: Clinical Laboratory

Business hours

ObservatorIo Campus: Monday to Sunday 7 a.m. to 8:50 p.m.

Santa Fe Campus: Monday to Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Cost

$750* MXN

Delivery time

60 minutes

Schedule your appointment online

Save time and fill out your documents online from the comfort of your home.

PCR test

Sampling

Nasopharyngeal and pharyngeal test

Characteristics

It aims to measure the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material.

Who should get tested?

People who have symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, fatigue, or shortness of breath.

People who are asymptomatic but have had close contact with someone who tested positive or is suspected of having the virus within the first 7 days.

Availability

Observatorio Campus: Clinical Laboratory

Santa Fe Campus: Clinical Laboratory

Business hours

Observatorio Campus: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:50 p.m.

Santa Fe Campus: Monday to Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Cost

$3,345* MXN

Estimated delivery time

15 hours (may take longer due to high demand)

Schedule your appointment online

Save time and fill out your documents online from the comfort of your home.

What do your results mean?

If your result is positive

Take appropriate measures to protect yourself and avoid transmitting the virus to others.

  1. Stay home.
    Don’t go out unless you need medical attention. Most cases are mild and can be recovered at home.
  2. Stay in touch with your doctor
  3. Monitor your symptoms.
    Contact your doctor if they worsen or if you have any questions.

If your result is negative

Even though you are healthy, don’t let your guard down and keep taking care of yourself.

  • This means you probably haven’t been infected with the COVID-19 virus.
  • A false negative test result can occur depending on the timing of the test.
  • Even if your results are negative, you can become infected in the future, so it’s important to follow the rules for physical distancing, wearing a mask, and washing your hands to prevent any possible transmission.
  • Your doctor may recommend repeating the test if you continue to have symptoms or, if necessary, performing a PCR test for COVID-19.

How can we help you?

    Ricardo Ostos

    Ricardo Ostos

    Content Creator

    Ricardo can convey complex medical information in an accessible and friendly way so that all of our patients can understand and benefit from it. In addition, he has an empathetic approach, offering information and practical advice that really makes a difference in people's lives. #lifebringsustogether.

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