Rapid antigen test (RAT)
Rapid antigen detection test (RADT) is a diagnostic test that is highly used for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the body by collecting nasopharyngeal swabs from individuals. It detects the presence or absence of an antigen (surface proteins); it is highly used as it provides highly confirmatory positive results
What is the procedure for rapid antigen testing?
Rapid antigen assays detect antigens, which are proteins found on the virus’s surface. Antigens are substances (or foreign invaders) that cause the immune system to develop an antibody reaction against them. When virus levels in the body are exceedingly high, it can identify persons who are infectious. It is widely utilised because it yields highly conclusive positive results. For a multitude of reasons, the Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is a particularly beneficial method of testing.
What methods are used to collect samples?
Nasopharyngeal swab specimens are the only ones collected. There will be no further specimens/samples used (throat swab, oropharyngeal swab).
Rapid Antigen test accuracy and false negatives.?
Although the RT- PCR tests methods are considered to be highly accurate, Antigen-based testing on the other hand helps to rapidly identify people who have high levels of virus. Thus, these tests are mostly reliable when people are in the early stages of Covid-19.
Rapid antigen test’s accuracy is very high for positive results. However in case of negative results, it is often recommended that the rapid antigen test needs to be backed by RT-PCR to completely rule out the possibility of infection.
Importance of Rapid Antigen testing
WHY CHOOSE RAPID ANTIGEN TEST?
The Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) plays a significant role in the pandamic. Rapid Covid-19 testing can be a very useful testing procedure that can help us to curb the spread of infection at a higher rate. It proves to be a highly beneficial measure of testing due to a variety of reasons.
Rapid antigen detection test (RADT) is very useful for mass testing. This detection test could identify infectious individuals who could potentially spread the virus to other people. Antigen tests can be put in effect in vast numbers and screening could be done in population wide areas.
Compared to other molecular tests like RT-PCR test, Rapid Antigen Test doesn’t require use of complex equipment and machinery which makes it cost effective.Also, due to a simplified procedure of testing, it generates fast results in just within 30 minutes. Companies like SpiceHealth conducts Rapid Antigen Test starting from Rs.150/-.SpiceHealth conducts all the tests under strict medical supervision to provide safe testing experience at affordable pricing.
It reduces the load of relying on just RT-PCR tests to identify Covid-19 patients. Molecular diagnosis like RT-PCR helps to detect even a very low concentration of virus at the time by amplification of DNA through PCR even when symptoms of the disease are not visible. Many companies do not have the resources and technologies to carry out the RT-PCR test as per the requirement. Thus, the Rapid Antigen test plays a very important role to supplement the testing capacity.
It can be implemented very quickly as it requires minimal training. Since an antigen test detects proteins on the surface of the virus called surface antigens, only nasal and throat swabs are used (mostly nasal), the samples are collected in liquid and this liquid is further added to a cartridge and then results are generated within a few minutes. Since it is a point of care test, it can be done by non expert healthcare workers.
What are the covid-19 tests available?
The RT-PCR test
The COVID-19 RT-PCR Test is a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test for the detection of genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 by collecting nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab specimens from individuals suspected of COVID-19. RT- PCR testing is considered the “gold standard” in detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Rapid antigen test (RAT)
Rapid antigen detection test (RADT) is a diagnostic test that is highly used for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the body by collecting nasopharyngeal swabs from individuals. It detects the presence or absence of an antigen (surface proteins); it is highly used as it provides highly confirmatory positive results.
Conclusion
Though, RAT are less accurate as compared to RT-PCR tests but it is important to notice that it is must cheaper and yield faster results. The RAT facility is the future for detecting the presence of covid-19 virus in the human body. Certain improvements will surely help to increase its accuracy, making it the most efficient Testing Facility available at a much cheaper cost. When used in persons with symptoms, RAT is accurate enough to replace RT-PCR. This would be very beneficial when making rapid judgments concerning patient care or when RT-PCR isn’t accessible. Antigen tests may be particularly effective for detecting epidemics or selecting persons with symptoms for subsequent testing with RT-PCR, allowing self-isolation or contact tracing while decreasing laboratory workload.
FAQ
What is Covid-19?
Corona viruses are a large group of viruses with RNA as a core genetic material .The Corona virus pandemic, also called the COVID-19 pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of corona virus disease 2019 which is caused by SARS-CoV-2 that is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus 2. The virus was initially discovered in Wuhan, China, in December, 2019. This disease was previously known as the ‘2019 novel coronavirus.
How are covid-19 samples taken?
SpiceHealth conducts the RT-PCR test that uses nasopharyngeal swab/ or pharyngeal swabs /throat swab/nasal swab for the identification of virus particles in the patients. The antigen tests are done using nasopharyngeal swab specimens. The Covid 19 test in Delhi is carried out by trained staff with the help of well equipped kits.
What are the symptoms of Covid-19?
The SARS-COV-2 virus has been proven to have long-term impacts on an individual’s health. If a patient exhibits any of the symptoms of the corona virus, such as cold , Dry cough , fever, exhaustion, shortness of breath, Nasal congestion headaches, Loss of taste or smell ,Nasal congestion and Nausea or vomiting, Chills ,dizziness and so on, the Covid-19 test should be performed in accordance with ICMR guidelines. It is also advisable to perform Covid-19 test in case of a travel history.
What should I do if I feel sick?
If you feel sick, see a doctor right away. Book a Covid test immediately. Isolate yourself from other family and Take all the appropriate measures to prevent the risk of getting others infected as well.
No Comments