Understanding the Different Types of COVID-19 Tests

Over the last six months, the world’s scientists and experts have discovered and proven unique methods for identifying the coronavirus.

As science advances and becomes widespread, you may have a hard time following along with the Latest test and methodologies. You aren’t alone.

We asked Brian Mochon, PhD, a clinical microbiologist and system medical director at Laboratory Sciences of Arizona for infectious disease testing, to provide his insight on the unique sample collecting strategies associated with COVID-19 testing.

He listed three ways to reach a diagnosis – throat swabs, nasal swabs, and nasopharyngeal swabs. Dr. Mochon also discussed other alternative collection methods such as the use of saliva and the pooling of patient samples.