What Is An Antigen Test?

 

rapid antigen test

When it comes to checking if one has Covid-19, one of the methods that are commonly used these days is an antigen test. Antigen tests are a method of detecting an active infection with SARS-CoV-2, which is the coronavirus that causes the illness COVID-19. These tests look for antigens, which are the protein markers that are found on the outside of a SARS-CoV-2 virus.

So, how is an antigen test done? This test is performed on a sample that is taken by swabbing inside your nose. The sample can be processed in a laboratory, but it is frequently analyzed on-site, often providing results within about 15 minutes.

The purpose of antigen tests is to determine if a person is infected with COVID-19. They are primarily used in screening for and in some cases diagnosing COVID-19. Diagnosis refers to testing once a person has shown the symptoms of a disease or has a known exposure to a disease. For the coronavirus disease, molecular tests such as the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR or just PCR) are considered the gold standard for diagnosis. When these tests are not available, an antigen test can be used for diagnosis in individuals that have symptoms consistent with coronavirus.

However, an rapid antigen test has a higher risk of indicating a negative result in a person who has actually been infected with the virus, also referred to as a false negative result.

Screening refers to looking for a disease in individuals who do not show any signs or symptoms. Since day 2 antigen test can be performed rapidly and at relatively low cost, they can be used in large screening programs which involve repeatedly testing people to help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. However, this type of screening needs to be done cautiously, since there is a high of a risk of false positive results.

For more information on antigen tests, visit Official Rapid Tests, our website at https://www.harleymedic.co.uk

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