Rapid Antigen Test for Covid 19
Test Details
- For quick detection of SARS COV 2 infection
- Sample taken – Nasopharyngeal swab
- Results in about 30 minutes
- Detects the antigens/ proteins in the SARS COV 2 virus
- To know about active and current infection
- Point of care testing
Requirement for Test
- Test requisition form to be filled by client
- Government ID card with Address Proof
Who can avail the test?
- Anybody with active symptoms of Covid 19 like fever, cough, breathing difficulty etc.
- Any asymptomatic individual who is a direct and high-risk contact
- In hotspots and containment zones and as per government guidelines
- Can be used for mass testing
- Might require further confirmation with RT PCR
About the test:
- It is point of care testing
- A positive test should be considered as a true positive whereas all symptomatic individuals testing negative through the rapid antigen test should be confirmed with a RTPCR test
- Immediate results
- All the results need to be informed to ICMR on a real time basis
- Has a moderate sensitivity but high specificity.
- Indicates active infection
- Testing should be done as per the latest government testing strategy guidelines
- Physician consultation is required after a positive result
