Do COVID tests work for the Omicron variant?

The vast majority of approved COVID-19 tests can detect the Omicron variant. However, the standard COVID-19 tests give a “yes” or “no” answer. They do not tell you which variant you have. Identifying the specific variant requires further lab tests, which are not widely available.

Why might some PCR tests  have trouble detecting the Omicron variant?

A COVID-19 PCR test works by detecting gene sequences specific to the virus that causes COVID. COVID-19 PCR tests look for the spike protein gene, among others. Mutations are random changes in the virus’s genetic sequences. The Omicron variant has a number of mutations, including some in the spike protein gene.

Fortunately, PCR tests are designed to detect more than one gene in the virus. And not all mutations, even in the spike protein gene, interfere with how the tests work. So the vast majority of approved tests can still detect the Omicron variant. In fact, the FDA  has identified only three authorized PCR tests that might be affected by the mutations in the Omicron variant.

Rapid tests still work well

Rapid tests do not detect genetic material. Instead, they detect a part of the virus called the nucleocapsid. The Omicron variant nucleocapsid is basically the same as the original virus. So the rapid tests still detect it just fine.

Conclusion

Most PCR tests, and all rapid tests, work well to detect the Omicron variant. So get tested when you need it. 

Last update: December 16, 2021, 2:00 pm ET

Science review: ERS, JAB