


The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 is a molecular test that analyzes your upper respiratory specimen, looking for genetic material (ribonucleic acid or RNA) of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The test could also detect fragments of the virus even after you are no longer infected.

The test detects the presence of a virus if you have the virus at the time of the test. It’s a test to detect genetic material from a specific organism, such as a virus.
