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Rapid tests have always been second to polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, assays when it comes to accuracy. While antigen tests deliver results in about 15 minutes, before the Omicron variant emerged they were only 58% accurate for people who didn't have symptoms, or 72% accurate for those who did, according to a Cochrane review of more than 24,000 test samples.

In comparison, a correctly done PCR test can return lab-approved results with 98% accuracy, according to the same study based on pre-Omicron data. It just takes longer to hear back — and you're supposed to isolate while you wait.

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Originally posted by rontuner:
"False-negative" probably isn't the best term for the quick tests. From what I've been able to read, a negative quick test means you aren't infectious to others... right now. Great for deciding if people can gather. Not so great for determining if one is infected...