evidence: There are two types of rapid COVID-19 tests that detect the coronavirus. One type is a sped-up, smaller version of the PCR tests. It’s also molecular-based, so it’s looking for genetic material from the virus in the mucus and infected cells in the sample from the patient. The sample is collected by inserting a cotton swab up the nose or running it along the inside of the cheek. The collected material is then added to a tube of fluid, and that’s what we’re testing in the lab. [...] Are rapid COVID-19 tests reliable? [...] The rapid, molecular-style tests can be reliable if a quality specimen is used and if the testing is conducted by properly trained individuals who are performing the test as intended by the manufacturer. This is the exact standard that we provide in the clinical laboratories at MD Anderson. With a sophisticated setup like ours, we’re able to detect the genetic material of the coronavirus, even when there’s only a small amount in the sample.