What is Rapid Antigen Test?
The Rapid Antigen Test is done to detect protein fragments specific to the Covid. The Rapid Antigen Test is detecting patients who are quite symptomatic. It is done by collecting samples from the nose or throat with the help of a swab. The result of the Rapid antigen test can be revealed within 15-30 minutes. A paid antigen test is a diagnostic test. It generally has an absolute and instant result.
Rapid Antigen Test is available near you and can easily be done anywhere. It is also known as point-of care tests.
How does the Rapid Antigen Test Perform?
Rapid Antigen Test uses a human nasal swab specimen for the qualitative detection of nucleocapsid protein SARS-CoV-2 antigen. Basically, a swab is instead into the nose of a person to detect the coronavirus.
Is there any accuracy concern with rapid antigen tests?
These tests are generally less sensitive than other tests. It's important to be aware that there may be a possibility of false negative results. It may be accurate when infection levels are high within the first couple of symptomatic days. The healthcare provider may consult the person to have an RT-PCR test to confirm the report.
Why is it good to test frequently?
A person can go from not being infectious to being very infectious in about 2 days. If you can test after 15 days or month, then you could easily be infectious for about 10-14 days without knowing it and be spreading the virus to everyone. If you test weekly, you are much more likely to know the first day you're infectious.
Is the Rapid Antigen Test painful?
You may feel slightly discomfort by nasal swab. Discomfort may occur if the swab is minted beyond the recommended depth. It is important to follow the nasal swab collection steps as given by ICMR guidelines.
What is the best time to read the result of the Rapid Antigen Test?
The result can be read by 15 minutes after sample collection.
What are the potential benefits and risks of Rapid Antigen Test?
The Potential Benefits can be:
- The test may be positive if you have an active Covid infection.
- The result can be helpful for your doctor or healthcare provider to make a decision about your treatment.
- You may help the society or nearby from spreading of COVID-19 by knowing your infection status and maintaining appropriate social distance from others.
Possible Risk can be:
- During the nasal sample collection, it may slightly discomfort you.
- It is possible to get a false test result. If you still the symptoms , you should repeat the test after 1-2 days, as the virus may not be detected in the early phase of infection.
- You may be advised to isolate yourself as per government norms and consult your nearby doctor.
What does it mean if I have invalid result?
The procedure of the test may lead to incorrect results. Wait for at least 4 hours before repeating the test.
Can Rapid Antigen Test tests be performed by people who are not health practitioners?
Yes, Non health practitioners can also perform the Rapid Antigen Test. It can also be done at home, offices or anywhere.
What are the documents required at the time of the Rapid antigen test?
The document required at the time of Rapid Antigen Test is any government photo id (Aadhar card, passport, voter id card).
