I have never heard of tests being more reliable for people who have Covid with symptoms and less reliable for those who have Covid without symptoms.
Some people get mild cases of the flu while others get a bad case, but it's still the flu. Covid is still Covid.
I asked my sister and she sent me this. Just to refresh my memory. (I seem to be more distracted lately)
Rapid Test
“Rapid tests are considered most accurate in a patient who is having symptoms of COVID-19. While the rapid test can get you results very quickly, the results may not always be accurate.”
“In those who don’t have symptoms, the false negative rate — meaning my test is negative but I actually have the disease — can be as high as 50%. This can have tremendous consequences as we try to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The false positive rate — meaning I test positive but I do not really have the disease — is quite low. So, if you test positive from a rapid test it is more likely you do have the disease.”
PCR Test
PCR testing is considered the “gold standard” in SARS-CoV-2 detection. This test actually detects RNA (or genetic material) that is specific to the virus and can detect the virus within days of infection, even those who have no symptoms. The test can be done in a clinic, hospital, or even in your car. Turnaround time is longer, generally in the 2-3 day range but results can be in as little as 24 hours. When demand is high, results can take a week or longer.”
What's The Difference Between COVID-19 Rapid and PCR Tests? - Memorial Healthcare
The drive up location here has a 4 hour wait (you still have to sign up online before heading to the test site)
If you have symptoms- they do both tests.
I wonder how many test negative on the rapid and positive on the PCR.
And would carry on normally until they get results on the second test?