[ad_1]
1. What tests are these?
We are talking about rapid antigen tests (TRAg), which detect virus proteins.
These tests, the results of which are obtained in a short period of time, usually minutes, do not require laboratory equipment or a prescription.
2. Are they already on sale?
Yes. Antigenic tests for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 that can be performed at home began to be sold in pharmacies this Friday.
According to Alliance Healthcare, there will be 500 pharmacies in mainland Portugal ready to market the tests.
In a statement quoted by the Lusa agency, the company guaranteed that “a first batch of 500 pharmacies will already be able to dispense” these tests, in “all districts” of Portugal. In a first phase, 120,000 tests of this type will be guaranteed in the presence of SARS-CoV-2.
3. Can anyone buy?
No. The rapid test can only be sold to people over 18 years of age.
4. Can I take this test at the pharmacy after I buy it?
Either. The “execution of the SARS-CoV-2 self-tests, including the necessary harvest, cannot be carried out in the places where the self-tests are dispensed”, according to the joint circular of Infarmed, the General Directorate of Health (DGS) and the National Institute Ricardo Jorge (INSA) published on March 19.
5. How many tests does Infarmed authorize?
As of March 30, Infarmed received 32 requests for authorization for self-testing of the novel coronavirus from 21 manufacturers, but to date only one has been authorized because it met all the criteria.
The first Covid-19 autotest authorized by Infarmed is a product of the South Korean company SD Biosensor, which will be distributed in Portugal by Roche.
credits: Infarmed
“data-title =” How to do it, what precautions to take or what garbage to dispose of from the kit. 15 Quick Test Questions and Answers – SAPO 24 “>
6. Where can I buy?
Rapid antigen tests are available in pharmacies, drug stores and supermarkets thanks to an exceptional regimen.
The maximum period of the exceptional regime is six months, but it can be extended by decision of the pharmaceutical authority, Infarmed, at the request of the manufacturer, provided that the presentation of a request for conformity assessment to a notified body is duly accredited.
The list of self-tests authorized for sale is published on the Infarmed website.
Among the requirements for approval is the guarantee that the packages indicate all the procedures for the correct and safe use of the tests, as well as the communication of their results.
7. What does each kit contain?
Roche tests come to market in two ways: they will be sold in a box of 25 units or in an individual package.
OR team It consists of a swab, a test strip, a buffer tube (where the sample is mixed with a reagent), and a measuring cap (which allows you to remove four drops to be placed on the test strip).
credits: Infarmed brochure
“data-title =” How to do it, what precautions to take or what garbage to dispose of from the kit. 15 Quick Test Questions and Answers – SAPO 24 “>
8. What is the price?
For SAPO24, the Swiss multinational stressed that the value must be “defined by the point of sale where the test will be marketed.”
According to the newspaper Eco, the prices of individual packages are around 7.00 euros in Wells, Pingo Doce and Auchan. The prices of the boxes of 25 tests, on the other hand, can reach 125.00 euros.
Rapid antigen tests are VAT exempt.
9. What precautions should I take before performing the test?
Before conducting a test, you must follow these procedures:
- You shouldn’t use the team test whether the package is damaged;
- You must carefully read the instructions for use;
- Check the expiration date. If the expiration date has already passed, do not take the test;
- Wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer before testing. You can also use latex or similar gloves;
- Before starting the procedure, the test strips and reagents must be at the indicated temperature (15-30 ° C / 59-86 ° F).
10. How should I take the exam?
At harvest, as described in the test booklet sold by Roche, you should follow these steps:
- Open the foil pouch and remove the test strip wrapper and desiccant sachet;
- Remove the swab from the packaging. Hold it last, using your thumb and forefinger. Do not touch the cotton tip.
- Tilt your head slightly back;
- Insert the swab into one of your nostrils. Slowly push forward (parallel to the roof of the mouth, toward the throat, not up) until you feel resistance. Do not apply pressure.
- Twist the swab four times (about 15 seconds total) against the inside of the nose and then remove it from the nose;
- Insert the same swab into the other nostril and repeat steps 4 and 5.
credits: Infarmed brochure
“data-title =” How to do it, what precautions to take or what garbage to dispose of from the kit. 15 Quick Test Questions and Answers – SAPO 24 “>
In preparation, as described in the test booklet marketed by Roche, you should follow these steps:
- Remove the film from the Extraction Buffer Tube and insert the swab. Squeeze the tube at the bottom and rotate the swab back and forth more than 10 times;
- Keep the sides of the tube squeezed as you withdraw the swab to extract as much liquid as possible from the swab;
- Firmly press the dispenser cap onto the tube, so that it is tightly closed;
- Place the test strip on a flat surface;
- Hold the tube vertically over the marked round area (not in the rectangular result window);
- Drop exactly 4 drops on the marked round area;
- Set a stopwatch and read the test result after 15-30 minutes.
credits: Infarmed brochure
“data-title =” How to do it, what precautions to take or what garbage to dispose of from the kit. 15 Quick Test Questions and Answers – SAPO 24 “>
11. How long does it take to get the result?
The result takes between 15 and 30 minutes.
Roche warns that “if the test result is read after 30 minutes, the result may be incorrect.”
12. How should I interpret the result?
- Invalid – If no control line (C) is seen, the result is considered invalid. The test does not work properly and you must perform a new test
- Positive – The presence of a test line (T) and a control line (C) means a positive result.
- Negative – The presence of a control line (C) (no matter how weak it is), without a test line (T) means a negative result.
13. How should I communicate the results?
- If you have been with an infected person or have symptoms. You must contact the SNS24 line (808 24 24 24) regardless of the test result;
- If you have no symptoms or have not been in contact with a confirmed case, but you still did the test and it was positive or inconclusive., you should immediately contact the SNS24 line (808 24 24 24).
In the joint circular of Infarmed, the General Directorate of Health (DGS) and the National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA) it was also indicated that an electronic form could be filled out “that will be created at the appropriate time for this purpose in the website covid19.min -saude.pt “. However, this option is not yet available.
The guidelines also state that “regardless of the context in which the test is performed, the report of obtaining a positive result should be accompanied whenever possible by information on the commercial identification of the self-test (brand), the manufacturer and the code. identification number of the test lot. used “.
The SNS24 Contact Center must transmit the indications for the isolation of the person with a rapid positive result, including the issuance of the Prophylactic Prophylactic Isolation Statement, until the confirmation of the result of the PCR confirmation test.
14. In what trash should I deposit my test kit?
“As with masks and gloves,” these screening tests “should be sent to the undifferentiated trash,” he wrote in writing to SAPO24 source from the Ministry of the Environment. At least “as long as there are no more specific recommendations,” adds the guardianship.
ValorMed, for its part, clarifies that these tests should not be placed in their containers that are found in pharmacies throughout the country, and “whose logistics and classification system is structured only for the reception of empty and expired containers or out of service” . dated medications “.
15. Are self-assessments reliable?
Health authorities consider that a limitation of rapid tests is “the possibility of a false negative or false positive result”.
On the other hand, “although it is a less frequent event, there is also the possibility of a false positive result, especially when the prevalence of infection in the population is low”.
In this way, a negative result does not eliminate the possibility of infection by SARS-CoV-2 ”, they clarify.
Thus, DGS, Infarmed and INSA also highlight that “the SARS-CoV-2 self-tests are not a substitute, but rather complement the tests for professional use.”
