A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test detects genetic material from a pathogen or abnormal cell sample. Ways of collecting samples include a nasal swab, a saliva swab, or taking a sample of blood.

The days (or weeks or months) of wondering if you are pregnant can feel like some of the longest of your life. There are a lot of emotions that come with anticipating pregnancy, and with good reason — ...

Anyone who thinks they might have trichomoniasis should get a test for this condition. Without treatment, trichomoniasis can increase the risk of a person contracting HIV. Share on Pinterest ...

At-home PCR tests are just as accurate as those done in a lab. At-home antigen tests are more budget-friendly and give results quicker, but there is a greater chance of a false negative. As of ...

Facing long lines and shortages of home test kits during the latest surge, people are searching for answers about Covid tests. By Tara Parker-Pope Dani Blum and Nicole Stock Testing is essential to ...

We independently review everything we recommend. We may get paid to link out to retailer sites, and when you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› By Ellen Lee Ellen Lee is a ...

If you don't feel well, you may worry that you have COVID-19. The only way to know for sure is to take a test. At-home tests can tell whether you have the virus right now. More specialized antibody ...

We regularly answer frequently asked questions about life during the coronavirus crisis. If you have a question you'd like us to consider for a future post, email us at goatsandsoda@npr.org with the ...

How safe is your tap water? Finding out can take some time, effort, and money, but it’s worth doing. Most people on municipal water who pay their own bill should receive an annual water quality report ...

The Rorschach test is a psychological test designed by psychiatrist Hermann Rorschach in the early 1900s. The test involves presenting a subject with images of inkblots; the person then describes what ...