Rapid Tests Test
Rapid tests give quick results, usually in 20 minutes or less, by checking a sample of your body fluid for signs of a disease or condition.
What this test measures
Rapid tests measure whether a specific disease or condition is present by detecting substances in a sample of body fluid like blood, urine, saliva, or nasal secretions.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Frequently asked questions
What are rapid tests?
Rapid tests, also known as rapid diagnostic tests or RDTs, are easy-to-use tests that provide quick results, usually in 20 minutes or less.
How do rapid tests work?
You provide a sample of body fluid, such as blood, urine, saliva, or nasal secretions. The sample is mixed with a substance that causes a chemical reaction if a disease or condition is present.
Where can I get a rapid test?
You can have the test done and get the results at your provider's office or a clinic. For some tests, you can do them and get the results at home.
Are rapid tests accurate?
Most rapid tests can provide quick, reliable results, but the results are not always as accurate as standard lab tests.
What can affect the accuracy of a rapid test?
Accuracy may be affected by the type of test, how it is stored and transported, the type of specimen taken, your symptoms, when symptoms started, what you are testing for, and using an expired test.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Rapid Tests — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.