• A molecular test that detects the genetic material (RNA) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
• Considered the "gold standard" for diagnosing active COVID-19 infection.
• Involves amplifying specific viral RNA sequences to confirm the presence of the virus.
• Typically requires a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab for sample collection.
• Results indicate whether the virus's genetic material was detected in the sample at the time of testing.