In the last month of 2019, the whole world was surprised by the spread of an unknown virus that has caused severe symptoms and death in Wuhan, China. Later on, this virus was known as the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19, a new strain from the coronavirus family. Coronavirus is a large family of viruses that usually causes respiratory problems.
The virus spread like wildfire across the globe, so fast that the world barely kept up. Strict health protocols were raised to prevent the virus from spreading further. Despite the efforts of governments and healthcare workers worldwide, the virus continued to spread. Fortunately, in 2021, vaccine shots were developed. These vaccines were designed to boost an individual’s immune system and increase their chances of survival in case of contracting the virus.
COVID-19 and its new variants
While the vaccine tremendously helped, the virus continued to spread and mutate. More COVID variants continued to rise. In 2021, many people had contracted the Delta variant, which is more contagious than the original COVID strain. Due to this, numerous cases were recorded once again. But even before the authorities could control the Delta variant from spreading, another type was reported again. The new strain is the Omicron variant, which is known to be airborne.
Unlike the other variants, a person who has contracted the Omicron variant can infect three to five people at a time. The fast transmission rate became a concern as it could result in another uncontrollable surge.
Rapid Tests for detecting Omicron variant
Due to its highly transmissible nature, the Omicron variant has again placed a massive burden on healthcare systems and changed various safety and testing protocols. And although scientists understand this new variant and its nature, questions about whether or not the rapid antigen test is an effective testing tool were raised.
The rapid antigen test is a type of COVID test that is fast and simple. It is noted that this test can deliver results within 15 minutes to an hour. Rapid antigen testing is also known as lateral flow tests. As the name implies, this testing relies on your antibodies to produce results. In COVID testing, it is done through a nasopharyngeal and nose swab.
Rapid antigen tests are primarily used to monitor population-wide infection rates. However, this testing can be a little less reliable than PCR tests. Several studies in the US have shown that there has been a lag in the detection of Omicron cases despite using rapid antigen testing. Moreover, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also noted that the early data of antigen tests suggest that they can detect Omicron but may have reduced sensitivity.
Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency has tentatively concluded that lateral flow devices have shown comparable sensitivity to Omicron as with the other variants.
While researches are still underway, and it is yet to be confirmed whether rapid antigen tests are less effective in picking up Omicron variants, there are some ways to ensure that this type can produce results with much better accuracy. For one, rapid antigen tests are most accurate when an individual is symptomatic. It is advisable to wait a day or two before taking the test. However, if you are still experiencing COVID symptoms but have tested negative in the rapid antigen tests, you should consider taking PCR testing.
The rapid antigen test indeed can provide useful information that might help detect Omicron. But it is still essential to keep in mind that false negative or positive results can happen. This is why healthcare professionals advise you to immediately isolate yourself if you are experiencing symptoms, regardless of whether you have taken a test or not.
Other COVID testing tools
Rapid antigen testing is not the only way to check whether you are infected or not. You can also undergo PCR testing or antibody (serology tests).
PCR or Polymerase Chain Reaction are tests that produce a more accurate result and are usually sent away to a lab for diagnosis. On the other hand, antibody or serology tests do not help in identifying if a person is infected or not. But they can help check if a person has developed an immunity to COVID-19.
Lastly, there is also a fit to fly COVID test for travellers in the UK. This test produces fast results ideal for those who are traveling. Consequently, the fit to fly COVID test does not apply to every country, but it is accepted in countries like France, Italy, the UK, Poland, Greece, Switzerland, Spain, and Germany.
More details about rapid testing can be found in this infographic created by Harley Medic International. You may also contact them for affordable and reliable COVID-19 testing kits. You may get in touch with them through their website.
