The EU has come close to blocking recognition of COVID-19 antigen tests



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This step, which will be followed by a written procedure and discussion at a virtual EU summit later on Thursday, aims to make testing in COVID-19 more comprehensive and faster.

Unlike PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests, in which swabs are taken from the nasal cavity and then analyzed in a laboratory, antigen tests can be performed on-site by examining saliva samples for half time.

This makes testing easier and faster for many people, although antigen tests are less reliable in detecting COVID-19 in asymptomatic people.

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The European Commission recommends the use of antigen tests in specific situations, such as rapid detection of outbreaks or the follow-up of “high risk” people, such as healthcare professionals.

Comprehensive antigen testing could also be used to screen travelers returning from outside the European Union.

French Minister for European Affairs Clement Beaune said on Sunday that, for example, when traveling between France and Ireland, PCR tests are appropriate because [juos] We use the same, but antigen testing is not appropriate because Ireland does not yet recognize it. “



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