What you need to know about COVID 19 tests

The delta variant is now believed to be responsible for more than 80% of the new COVID-19 infections diagnosed in the U.S. But to be diagnosed with COVID-19, you must first be tested.

The Mayo Clinic New Network team sat down with Dr. Bobbi Pritt, chair of Mayo Clinic's Division of Clinical Microbiology. In this Q&A, Dr. Pritt explains the various COVID-19 tests, what they do and what these tests detect:
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For the safety of its patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in an area not designated for patient care, where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.

Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific understanding, along with guidelines and recommendations, may have changed since the original publication date.