Minneapolis (WCCO​​) — The Minnesota Department of Health wants people in Minnesota to be tested for COVID-19 before seeing their families during the holidays.

But now there are different options. So, which type of test is more accurate, and when might you want more than one test?

There are two types of COVID-19 tests: PCR or molecular tests, which can be saliva or swabs. Then comes the antigen test, sometimes called a rapid test.

Health officials say the PCR test is the most accurate, but your results will not be the fastest. This is where the antigen test comes in handy.

"I carry these with me. Allina Health infectious disease expert Dr. Frank Rem said: "I have stocked them for home visits. "

He said that the positive result of the home antigen test is reliable. However, false negatives are not unheard of. He said the test may miss the real infection, especially if it is early and you have no symptoms.

"They are not as good as PCR for detecting very small amounts of viruses," Rhame said. "Those missed negatives may be the most dangerous because they have the least amount of virus."

But what about using both at the same time?

Rem said it was not a bad idea. If you need to be more certain before the holiday party, doubling is a good plan.

Whenever possible, perform PCR tests near events or gatherings. "Then do a quick test that day," Rham said.

One or two days after the sample arrives in the laboratory, the results of the state PCR test will come out. Currently, a faster PCR test is underway.

"They are really here," Rem said.

The Free State test site provides a combination of PCR and antigen testing.

For more information on the types of tests available, click here. For more information about the free status test options, click here.

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