Is the quick test PCR based?
No. The PCR uses a method to make multiple copies of a segment of DNA /RNA by amplifying the test strands through numerous cycles of the test. The inventor of the specific test method indicated that 35 cycles was the maximum recommended, or there would be a higher risk of false positives. The CDC was recommending as high as 45 cycles, but then later decided it wasn't working at all for their specific use case.
I understand what the PCR testing does and the cycles.
What I don't understand is what protocols the rapid tests use to determine positive or negative
Not really sure how they work, but here's some info:
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-accurate-are-rapid-covid-tests#how-accurate-is-it
Look at the accuracy table toward the bottom.
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