COVID-19 TESTING CALCULATOR
Testing is done for many reasons, and there are many tests. No test is perfect.
We combined the best data available on COVID-19 risk using transparent methods to facilitate evidence-based patient care.
TESTING IS DONE TO
Know chance a patient has COVID-19 to better manage their care. A key step is determining COVID-19 risk—our calculators use COVID-19 rates in the area, exposures and symptoms to estimate this risk—then one can see what a test would mean.
To prevent transmission, we need to know when infected people are contagious. This is a fraction of those with COVID-19 disease and is based on studies with culture for live virus.
A key step is determining COVID-19 risk before the test—our calculators use COVID-19 rates in the area, exposures, and symptoms to estimate this risk. Clinicians and the general public can use our calculator to make better decisions.
Estimates don’t apply to children who are less infectious and less to experience symptoms from COVID-19
Estimates all relate to unvaccinated people. All risks much lower if vaccinated.
Supported by CDC and NIH New Innovators Award
TEST COMPARISON
There are 3 types—PCR, Rapid NAAT, and Antigen tests. We assess each for clinical sensitivity and specificity.
