Rapid tests for COVID: why are they needed and what to do. Instruction

At the beginning of the year, on the fifth wave of CORONAVIRUS in RUSSIA, sales of pharmacy express tests increased. How they work

How is a rapid test different from PCR analysis

Official status of rapid tests

Why are these tests needed?

What to do with a positive express test

Against the background of a record incidence of coronavirus in Russia, the demand for pharmacy rapid tests has also increased. According to DSM Group, by the end of January, five times more sets were purchased than in the same period last year (48.1 thousand versus 10 thousand).

Types of pharmacy express tests and their differences from laboratory tests

Rapid tests exist in two types: the first is aimed at detecting the antigen of the virus (its presence in the body), the second is at detecting antibodies (they will show whether a person has been ill before and whether he is sick at the moment). Both are presented in the form of test strips, the result can be read on average after 15 minutes. The sensitivity and specificity of such tests is lower than that of PCR. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests are performed in a laboratory and are designed to detect the genetic material of the virus in the body. They need special equipment and a longer time. They are highly sensitive.