Answers from the Lab

Dr. Matt Binnicker, the Director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic joins Answers from the Lab to discuss the different testing options available for COVID-19. During this episode, he specifically addresses the difference between PCR and serology testing, along with when they should be ordered and how they can be used in combination.

Show Notes

(00:47)
 So there are a lot of tests on the market now for detecting COVID-19 can you tell us what the main categories of these tests are? 

(01:30)
 Let's delve into those a little bit more. Let's start with the molecular test. Can you explain to our audience how that works? 

(03:32)
 Because there's so many different types of PCR tests out there right now, can you tell us a little bit about the differences and specifically how these different types of tests may compare to one another in terms of accuracy and turnaround time? 

(06:12)
 Dr. Binnicker, can you tell us when and how physicians can use PCR to diagnose patients with COVID-19?

(08:00)
 So it sounds like, again, just to confirm, the PCR test is really for diagnosing that patient during that early stage when they have symptoms?

(08:55)
 Can you tell us more about serologic testing and how that works? 

(09:53)
 So when would you use serology? 

(10:57)
 So can you just summarize just for our audience again, how these two tests work together? 

What is Answers from the Lab?

A Mayo Clinic curated podcast sharing Mayo Clinic knowledge and advancements on the state of testing, science, and people who are making it happen behind the scenes.