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The swab for the rapid antigen test is relatively similar to the well-known PCR method and “unfortunately still uncomfortable”, as the virologist puts it. Image: keystone
Federal Council Approves Rapid Corona Tests: 11 Things You Should Know Now
As of November 2, rapid antigen tests for the detection of corona will be approved throughout Switzerland. Eleven points explain who can be evaluated and how reliable the tests are.
What rapid antigen tests are there?
There are a variety of commercially available antigen tests. At least two will be widely used in Switzerland from November 2: Roche and Abbott Rapid Test. Isabella Eckerle, director of the Emerging Viruses research group at the University of Geneva, and her team have verified the two rapid tests in recent weeks.
The “Center national de Référence pour Emerging Viral Infections” in Geneva has verified the accuracy of other tests, as announced by the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG).
Where can I get rapid tests?
Rapid antigen tests can generally be used in Test tents, in the hospital or doctor’s office do. The association of pharmacies “pharmaSuisse” is currently working on rapid tests of antigens in each third pharmacy offer.
If you want to get the proof elsewhere, you need to be careful, says Eckerle. “There is a lot of commercially available tests, the market is huge.” The problem is that not all have been tested by an independent body and are therefore only reliable based on information from the manufacturer. Eckerle advises against requesting tests online or buy the ones that can be made at home. Tests that have been tested and recommended by BAG and performed by a specialist are reliable.
This is how corona test methods differ
When should I do a quick test?
The FOPH wants to use the test in particular in infectious people and those who are considered symptomatic. the Occur symptoms should no more than four days ago its. Even people who are affected by SwissCovid app being alert should do you.
«The quick test works best on Initial stage of the disease»Says the infectologist Eckerle. Then the infected would have a lot of virus in their throat.
He is currently controversial Question, if the test is better in one Hotspot is applied, that is, when the number of cases is currently high, to obtain the best test result. So it’s still open if you can use the quick test to Massive projection You could use.
How does a rapid antigen test work?
The rapid antigen test detects coronavirus proteins. A specialist removes one for this Nasopharyngeal smear. The rapid test is the same as the PCR method, which is currently used most frequently in Switzerland and is considered the most reliable.
The tests cannot be used at home. “Rapid antigen tests are not home tests or their own”says Eckerle. You still need a doctor or nurse to use it. The test is “sadly still uncomfortable”.
The rapid test is not a home test and must be performed by a specialist, according to the expert. Image: sda
What is the difference between the rapid antigen test and the PCR method?
The result of a rapid antigen test is available many times faster: In 15 minutes After taking the sample, you can see the test result, writes the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG). However, the rapid test is also less sensitive.
How reliable are rapid antigen tests?
“If he If the rapid test is positive, the result is very reliable, then you can assume the person is infected, ”says Eckerle. But if it is negative, a corona virus infection cannot be ruled out.
“The two tests approved by Roche and Abbott show a sensitivity of 80 to 89 percent in our study,” says virologist Eckerle. This means that the test can detect between 80 and 89 out of 100 corona positive cases.
In addition to sensitivity, attention is also paid to the number of cases that the rapid test shows as positive even though the subject is negative, the so-called false positive cases. “There was a case of false positive when the two tests were sensitized”, so the virologist. The tests correspond to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), says Eckerle. But: “PCR remains the safest method to detect coronavirus.”
What are the hopes for rapid tests?
“With the We simply cannot evaluate all symptomatic people using just the PCR method.»Says the virologist Eckerle.
The quick test is an additional tool. Even if it’s not perfect: If we can use it to fish 80 percent or more of infectious people, then we will have gained a lot‘Then Eckerle.
This is what a positive antigen test result looks like. Image: Shutterstock
What if the rapid test is negative?
“A negative rapid test does not exempt us from wearing a mask, keeping our distance or any other measure,” warns virologist Eckerle.
If someone is at the beginning of a Covid 19 disease, a PCR test can also show an incorrect result. who is negative despite symptoms, you should be careful and test a second time. This also makes the test result more likely to be correct.
In which case should I do a PCR test?
The FOPH advises Patients at risk indirectly from antigen testing. Eckerle suspects this is aimed at preventing high-risk patients from being misdiagnosed. A high-risk patient with an infection is much more likely to have to go directly to the hospital than someone who is not in the risk group.
Eckerle recommends continue to use the PCR method, especially in hospitals. The risk of misdiagnosing a patient who could later infect other people would be too great for her. “To be able to treat hospital patients well, you have to do the most reliable test that exists and that is the PCR method.”
How much does a rapid antigen test cost?
“The rapid antigen test costs less than ten francs,” says Eckerle. A relatively affordable proposition compared to the PCR test, which can cost up to 169 francs.
If you have symptoms or the SwissCovid app alerts you, the federal government will pay the costs of the rapid test, according to the press release.
Is a quick test result enough if the employer requires a negative test?
the Rule out disease based on a negative rapid test resultfor someone to come to work is dangerous, says virologist Eckerle. “Anyone with symptoms should be careful despite a negative antigen test If symptoms persist, have it tested again if in doubt.. »
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