Joe Gastaldo, MD, System Medical Director for Infectious Diseases explains how long a COVID infected person will test positive, depending on the type of test.
We now have two different types of tests available to diagnose people for COVID. We are now familiar with the PCR tests, and we now have home antigen testing.
When you get a PCR test, it’s not meant to be used as a test of cure. When someone has a positive or detectable PCR, they could stay PCR positive for many weeks to months after they test. This does not mean someone is contagious.
Antigen testing is a little different. It is less sensitive. However, when someone has a positive or detectable antigen test, they are considered contagious. After an antigen test is negative, the patient is not considered contagious.
Want to learn more about common COVID-19 questions? Check our Fast Facts page.
