A Look at Rapid Antigen Testing for Detecting COVID-19

How it Works

The rapid antigen test is similar to the molecular (RT-PCR) test because it is diagnostic and determines if one has an active coronavirus infection, but it differs in its mechanism of detection.

DisadvantagesWhile the faster processing time is a great advantage, there are still some disadvantages to antigen testing.

A big drawback is its sensitivity or rate of detecting coronavirus infections correctly. A typical PCR test can detect a single molecule of RNA in a microlitre of solutionAntigen tests need a sample to contain thousands to tens of thousands – of virus particles per microlitre to produce a positive result.

These disadvantages mean that those with lower amounts of the virus in their bodies may go undetected, or that inadequate specimen collection may also result in false negatives. Basically, the test could say that someone doesn’t have the virus when they actually do have it.

The Private Sector

In the private sector, many organizations are working to protect their employees across a wide array of public responses. Rapid antigen testing could prove to be the most cost-effective and impactful solution available for this group if used appropriately. Antigen testing is one of the many tools available. The gold standard for high sensitivity and accurate results is still PCR testing. This is why PCR testing is still common even though antigen testing is more cost-effective and timely.

Ongoing Debate

Despite the rapid antigen test’s comparatively lower sensitivity, some have argued that it may be advantageous in the context of a global pandemic. Researchers have found that the viral load peaks early in COVID-19 infections and then gradually declines, with only tiny amounts of the virus remaining in someone’s nose or throat.

And although there is not enough data to equate different viral levels with how infectious people are, there is evidence that individuals are unlikely to spread the virus about eight to ten days after showing symptoms.

So this type of test could detect the virus early in the cycle, potentially when people are the most likely to spread the disease. From an epidemiological standpoint, antigen testing could be a good tool.

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