Early Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
Which covid-19 test
is best for me?
Depending on where a person is in the COVID-19 infection cycle, the answer comes down to understanding when each test works best. Wind the clock to see when each of our five assays are best used.
Wind It
Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection. ARCHITECT, Alinity, ID NOW and Abbott m2000 RealTime are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions.
0 Days
Early Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
Which covid-19 test
is best for me?
Depending on where a person is in the COVID-19 infection cycle, the answer comes down to understanding when each test works best. Wind the clock to see when each of our five assays are best used.
Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection. ARCHITECT, Alinity, ID NOW and Abbott m2000 RealTime are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions.
0 Days
Wind It
view our disclaimer
Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection. ARCHITECT, Alinity, ID NOW and Abbott m2000 RealTime are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions.
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Early Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
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view our disclaimer
Phase:
Early infection
The virus is in the body. COVID-19’s viral RNA can be detected by molecular tests using nucleic acid amplification technologies, allowing lab technicians to take a very small sample of RNA and amplify it.
TESTS
These tests detect the virus’s nucleic acids (RNA).
Portable rapid molecular tests are often found in doctor’s offices, urgent care centers and the like. Using nasal, nasopharyngeal and throat swabs, samples are tested, with results in 13 minutes or less.
ID NOW
These larger testing instruments can be found in labs that run patient samples and are designed to process up to 480–1,080 tests a day.
m2000 RealTime System
See how portable testING workS
About 1–14 Days
Wind It
Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection.
The Abbott SARS-CoV-2 tests run on the Abbott m2000 RealTime System, ID NOW™, Alinity i, ARCHITECT and Alinity m platforms are for in vitro diagnostic use under the FDA emergency use authorization only. These tests are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostic tests for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.
Early Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
Alinity m
Phase:
Early infection
The virus is in the body. COVID-19’s viral RNA can be detected by molecular tests using nucleic acid amplification technologies, allowing lab technicians to take a very small sample of RNA and amplify it.
TESTS
These tests detect the virus’s nucleic acids (RNA).
Portable rapid molecular tests are often found in doctor’s offices, urgent care centers and the like. Using nasal, nasopharyngeal and throat swabs, samples are tested, with results in 13 minutes or less.
ID NOW
These larger testing instruments can be found in labs that run patient samples and are designed to process up to 480–1,080 tests a day.
Alinity m
m2000 RealTime System
See how portable TESTING workS
About 1–14 Days
Early Infection
Wind It
SEE HOW LAB-BASED TESTING WORKS
SEE HOW LAB-BASED TESTING WORKS
SEE HOW LAB-BASED TESTING WORKS
Early Infection
Early Infection
Mid Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
Post Infection
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Early Infection
Early Infection
Mid Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
Post Infection
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Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection.
ARCHITECT, Alinity, ID NOW and Abbott m2000 RealTime are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions.
The following tests have received FDA Emergency Use Authorization and have not been FDA cleared or approved: RealTime SARS-CoV-2 test, ID NOW COVID-19 test, SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay and are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. The RealTime SARS-CoV-2 test and ID NOW COVID-19 tests have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, and the SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay has been authorized only for the detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and not for any other viruses or pathogens.
ARCHITECT, Alinity, ID NOW and Abbott m2000 RealTime are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions.
The following tests have received FDA Emergency Use Authorization and have not been FDA cleared or approved: RealTime SARS-CoV-2 test, ID NOW COVID-19 test, SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay and are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. The RealTime SARS-CoV-2 test and ID NOW COVID-19 tests have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, and the SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay has been authorized only for the detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and not for any other viruses or pathogens.
Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection.
Alinity i
ARCHITECT i1000SR and i2000SR
Lateral flow test
Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection. The following tests have received FDA Emergency Use Authorization and have not been FDA cleared or approved: RealTime SARS-CoV-2 test, ID NOW COVID-19 test, SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay and are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. The RealTime SARS-CoV-2 test and ID NOW COVID-19 tests have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, and the SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay has been authorized only for the detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and not for any other viruses or pathogens. ARCHITECT, Alinity, ID NOW and Abbott m2000 RealTime are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions.
Phase:
Mid infection
As the virus multiplies, the body begins to react to the viral antigens, possibly resulting in symptoms. These antigens will rise, peak and fall off around two weeks from the onset of infection.
TESTS
Abbott is evaluating a potential antigen test.
Wind It
About 2–14 Days
view our disclaimer
Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection. ARCHITECT, Alinity, ID NOW and Abbott m2000 RealTime are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions.
Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection. ARCHITECT, Alinity, ID NOW and Abbott m2000 RealTime are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions.
Phase:
Mid infection
As the virus multiplies, the body begins to react to the viral antigens, possibly resulting in symptoms. These antigens will rise, peak and fall off around two weeks from the onset of infection.
Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection. ARCHITECT, Alinity, ID NOW and Abbott m2000 RealTime are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions.
TESTS
Abbott is evaluating a potential antigen test.
About 2–14 Days
Mid Infection
Wind It
SEE HOW LAB-BASED TESTING WORKS
m
Early Infection
Early Infection
Mid Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
Post Infection
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Early Infection
Early Infection
Mid Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
Post Infection
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Early Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
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Phase:
Late infection
Your body is fighting COVID-19. Your immune system is producing antibodies, which can last 1-8 weeks. Antibodies are proteins in the blood produced in response to a virus-causing antigen.
TESTS
Abbott is evaluating a potential IgM serology (blood) antibody test.
Wind It
About 1–8 Weeks
Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection. ARCHITECT, Alinity, ID NOW and Abbott m2000 RealTime are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions.
view our disclaimer
Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection. ARCHITECT, Alinity, ID NOW and Abbott m2000 RealTime are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions.
Phase:
Late infection
Your body is fighting COVID-19. Your immune system is producing antibodies, which can last 1-8 weeks. Antibodies are proteins in the blood produced in response to a virus-causing antigen.
Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection. ARCHITECT, Alinity, ID NOW and Abbott m2000 RealTime are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions.
TESTS
Abbott is evaluating a potential IgM serology (blood) antibody test.
About 1–8 Weeks
Late Infection
Wind It
Early Infection
Early Infection
Mid Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
Post Infection
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Early Infection
Early Infection
Mid Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
Post Infection
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Early Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
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Phase:
post infection
You’re starting to feel better as your body continues to fight off infection. As it does, your body replaces the short-lived IgM antibodies with long-lasting IgG antibodies that may aid in protective immunity. Although science is collecting information about SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, in other viruses IgG antibodies can remain for months to years after infection.
TESTS
Alinity i and ARCHITECT i1000SR and i2000SR: Serology (blood) IgG tests run on larger testing instruments, found in labs.
MORE
Abbott launches COVID-19 antibody test on ARCHITECT
Abbott’s SARS-CoV-2 Immunoassay Information
Alinity i
ARCHITECT i1000SR and i2000SR
Lateral flow test
Wind It
Weeks to months later
view our disclaimer
Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection. The following tests have received FDA Emergency Use Authorization and have not been FDA cleared or approved: RealTime SARS-CoV-2 test, ID NOW COVID-19 test, SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay and are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. The RealTime SARS-CoV-2 test and ID NOW COVID-19 tests have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, and the SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay has been authorized only for the detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and not for any other viruses or pathogens. ARCHITECT, Alinity, ID NOW and Abbott m2000 RealTime are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions.
Phase:
post infection
You’re starting to feel better as your body continues to fight off infection. As it does, your body replaces the short-lived IgM antibodies with long-lasting IgG antibodies that may aid in protective immunity. Although science is collecting information about SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, in other viruses IgG antibodies can remain for months to years after infection.
TESTS
Alinity i and ARCHITECT i1000SR and i2000SR: Serology (blood) IgG tests run on larger testing instruments, found in labs.
MORE
Abbott launches COVID-19 antibody test on ARCHITECT
Abbott’s SARS-CoV-2 Immunoassay Information
Alinity i
ARCHITECT i1000SR and i2000SR
Weeks to months later
Post Infection
ARCHITECT, Alinity, ID NOW and Abbott m2000 RealTime are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions.
Wind It
Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection.
ARCHITECT, Alinity, ID NOW and Abbott m2000 RealTime are trademarks of Abbott in various jurisdictions.
The following tests have received FDA Emergency Use Authorization and have not been FDA cleared or approved: RealTime SARS-CoV-2 test, ID NOW COVID-19 test, SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay and are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. The RealTime SARS-CoV-2 test and ID NOW COVID-19 tests have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, and the SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay has been authorized only for the detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and not for any other viruses or pathogens.
Early Infection
Early Infection
Mid Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
Post Infection
MORE
MORE
Early Infection
Early Infection
Mid Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
Post Infection
MORE
MORE
Early Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
MORE
Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection.
The following tests have received FDA Emergency Use Authorization and have not been FDA cleared or approved: RealTime SARS-CoV-2 test, ID NOW COVID-19 test, SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay and are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner. The RealTime SARS-CoV-2 test and ID NOW COVID-19 tests have been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, and the SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay has been authorized only for the detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and not for any other viruses or pathogens.
Early Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
More on
Tests
Delivering new tests so people can receive the critical results they need is our top priority. Until this fight is over, we will never quit. More information on Abbott’s response and testing technologies is here.
See how Abbott is supporting frontline workers and families.
FAQ
COVID-19 testing questions
UPDATES
For the latest on our response to COVID-19, get ABBOTT EDGE directly in your inbox.
rewind
Time periods for infection stages are estimates based on the body’s typical response to viral infection.
More on
Tests
Delivering new tests so people can receive the critical results they need is our top priority. Until this fight is over, we will never quit. More information on Abbott’s response and testing technologies is here.
See how Abbott is supporting frontline workers and families.
FAQ
COVID-19 testing questions
UPDATES
For the latest on our response to COVID-19, get ABBOTT EDGE directly in your inbox.
rewind
Early Infection
Early Infection
Mid Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
Post Infection
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Early Infection
Early Infection
Mid Infection
Mid Infection
Late Infection
Late Infection
Post Infection
Post Infection
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