The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan will begin using rapid tests to detect COVID-19

“We will most likely start conducting rapid tests to determine the antigen for the CORONAVIRUS pathogen from Monday. it will be widely used in practice and will become an operational-tactical alternative to PCR diagnostics," First Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan Almir Abashev said at a press conference at the Tatar-inform news agency today.

According to him, the rapid antigen test is a 20-minute analysis with a smear taken from the nasopharynx. The result will be available on the spot.

“It is approved in 13 clinical guidelines and approved for use. We can use it at any stage of medical care. But the use of the technique with a negative result does not absolutely exclude the need for a PCR test, ”he said.

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan, at the request of RBC Tatarstan, explained that the test result is not the basis for making a diagnosis. Because more research needs to be done.