Covid Test Result Is Detected. Viral nucleic acid or antigen tests check samples from the respiratory system such as nasal or oral swabs or saliva to determine whether an infection with SARS-CoV-2 the virus that causes COVID-19 is present. A negative or not detected test result means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in your sample.
The results will show as either positive or NOT detected. The main test used to diagnose coronavirus is so sensitive it could be picking up fragments of dead virus from old infections scientists say. A negative result does not mean that youve never had COVID-19.
How long it takes to get your result depends on the type of swab test you had.
Viral nucleic acid or antigen tests check samples from the respiratory system such as nasal or oral swabs or saliva to determine whether an infection with SARS-CoV-2 the virus that causes COVID-19 is present. This means that the virus was not found in your sample. If you use the NHS COVID-19 app you may also get your result in the app. Genomic or molecular detection confirms the presence of viral DNA.