Haven’t we all faced the dilemma in this pandemic situation? Do I have covid? Do I need to test myself? Do I need to quarantine?
We already know that there are primarily two types of tests available to detect SARS-CoV2 infection in our body – PCR Tests and Rapid Antigen Tests.
Though PCR tests are more reliable, Rapid tests tell you upfront if you are infected or not. Before looking for COVID 19 testing sites, here is everything you need to know about rapid antigen testing.
How Do Rapid Tests Work?
You can do antigen tests from your own comfort at your home. The process you need to follow:
1. Collection of the sample: insert the sterile swab parallel to the palate via the nostril before touching with the nasopharynx. Rub and roll the swab gently and remove it from the nasal cavity.
2. In the extraction buffer, insert the swab and rotate it for about 10 seconds. To extract as much liquid as possible, remove the swab when gripping the sides of the tube;
3. To the sample well, add 3 drops of the collected specimen. Wait for 15 minutes and read the conclusions. The findings can no longer be read after 20 minutes have passed.
How to Interpret the Results?
Positive Result: Two lines of color appear. In the Monitor (C) region, a colored line should always appear. Another line should be in the Test (T) region. The positive result suggests that SARS-CoV-2 antigens have been found in the sample.
Negative Result: In the Control (C) field, a colored line emerges. The Test (T) area does not show a line.
Invalid Result: The control line won’t exist. It can happen due to the insufficient volume of the specimen. In this case, repeat the test with a new test kit.
Is The Rapid Antigen Test Reliable?
You lose precision for speed to a certain degree with these tests. The antigen-style tests are not as sensitive by their own existence since they require a greater quantity of virus present to be positive. Early in the outbreak, they can be useful in quickly screening symptomatic patients.
During an epidemic in a resource-limited environment, they will also efficiently scan a vast number of people. Someone with a positive test for this sort of test should be treated as COVID-19 contaminated. Still, a negative test is not accurate, and a more specific molecular assay will need to be confirmed.
If I Took a Rapid COVID-19 Exam, What Would the Findings Mean?
If you have signs of COVID-19 and a rapid test outcome shows that you are positive, you should take that as an indicator. You should put yourself in quarantine and call your doctor for advice.
However, if you have signs of COVID-19 and the rapid test outcome is negative, you can also call your doctor, and a PCR test might be required. With a false negative result from a quick COVID-19 test, don’t be victims of a false sense of protection. You should look for “COVID 19 testing near me” in order to get a test for coronavirus near your location.
