Data from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services shows the total number of molecular, antigen and antibody tests performed daily in 2021 and 2022, starting with more than 16 million having been performed in 2020.
A molecular test, also called a PCR test, detects the genetic material of the virus and is considered to be very accurate. A vast majority of the COVID-19 tests performed are molecular tests. More than 14 million molecular tests were performed in 2020.
An antigen test, also called a rapid test, detects certain proteins of the COVID-19 virus and positive tests are considered accurate, though there are increased chances of false-negative results. More than 1.2 million antigen tests were performed in 2020.
An antibody test determines whether someone has had COVID-19 through the presence of antibodies and indicates they may have some immunity. Nearly 800,000 antibody tests were performed in 2020.