COVID-19 is a deadly virus infection that strikes people of all age groups. But those with any underlying health conditions like Diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity are more at risk of contracting COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus which causes COVID-19 is deadly because of its high transmission and ability to penetrate the immunity of the body.
Two Covid-19 testing kits are very popular and are done to test the onset of COVID-19. These tests determine whether you are infected with COVID-19 or not. The first type of Covid-19 testing kit is called a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction). It is also known as a molecular test or diagnostic test. Such a type of test detects the genetic material of the coronavirus. PCR testing is considered to be the most advanced test which is done today.
The second type of Covid-19 testing kit is done to know about the possibility of a person being infected by coronavirus is called antigen testing. This test is done to know of certain molecules that are found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These are available as bulk poc antigen test kits.
The main advantage of antigen testing is that it gives you the results in just 15 minutes. Persons doing this test also do not have to visit the laboratory or doctor’s clinic. They can do the test at their homes. But these antigen tests are not as accurate as the PCR tests.
The Accuracy of Rapid COVID-19 or Antigen Tests
Antigen tests or bulk covid testing kits are usually fda approved rapid test kits and are usually done by individuals at home. They do not need to be checked by any medical professional or doctor. These antigen tests are done at:
- Home or office
- Pharmacies
- School clinics
- Airports
- Doctor’s clinic
- Testing centers
How are antigen tests done?
Antigen tests are done by the simple method. They are available with rapid antigen test supplier. The person who is doing this test usually inserts a cotton swab into his or her nose, throat, or mouth to collect mucus and cells. A strip is provided with the genabio self test kit. The sample is then applied to the strip. The color of the strip changes if you test positive for COVID-19.
Are home tests accurate enough?
Although bulk covid testing kits are not so accurate, nevertheless, they are effective enough to detect COVID-19. Just like the other bulk POC antigen test kits, your results can show a negative COVID-19 rather than a positive report. This means that these antigen tests will show that you do not have a COVID-19 infection in your body.
But research shows that these FDA approved rapid test kits are just as accurate and can be relied on. For example, when the gena bio antigen rapid test was done within 10 to 12 days of the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it correctly gave the result that 78.9 percent of people had covid and 97.1 percent did not have covid.
Why are antigen tests popular if they are less accurate?
It is common for antigen tests to give you a false negative report. But still, these bulk covid test kits are very popular with people. The main reasons for this are given below.
- Gives results within a few minutes.
- They are very easy to use and can be done anywhere.
- They are less expensive and affordable than a PCR test.
- They don’t require a presence of a medical professional, doctor, or specialist.
What if I have COVID-19 symptoms even if my antigen test shows a negative report?
If your genabio antigen rapid test shows a negative report but if you still feel that you have symptoms of COVID-19, then you can go for the PCR test. A PCR test is much more accurate than the wholesale antigen test, which is available in the market.
What about other COVID-19 tests?
Other tests which are done to detect COVID-19 are also very accurate. They are:
PCR test
A PCR test is a test done to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is considered to be the most advanced test done to detect COVID-19. PCR is a short form for Polymerase Chain Reaction. This test detects the genetic material which is present in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This test is so advanced that it even detects the presence of the coronavirus even if you are no longer infected.
CT Scans
While CT scans are not the right method to detect the presence of COVID-19 in your body, they can detect lung problems that may indicate that you are infected with the coronavirus. CT scans may help in detecting respiratory problems which may not be due to COVID-19.
Antibody tests
These tests are done to detect the presence of antibodies that the immune system of your body produces to fight the coronavirus infection. These antibodies are IgM and IgG. Antibody tests can detect whether you were infected with coronavirus in the past or whether you are infected with COVID-19 currently.
Symptoms of COVID-19
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- Fever, cough, and cold
- Tiredness, loss of taste and smell
- Breathing difficulty, aches, and pains
- Sore throat, headache, diarrhea
- Skin rashes, irritated eyes
What to do if you have COVID-19
If you think that you are infected with COVID-19, if your bulk covid-19 testing kit results a positive, then you should immediately quarantine yourself and stay at home. Isolate yourself from other family members.
Antigen testing is not a substitute for vaccination
You should remember that the gena bio antigen rapid test is not a substitute for vaccination, masking, or social distancing. So, if you want to stay away from COVID-19, you should practice some safe and appropriate precautions such as the ones given below.
- Vaccinate yourself as soon as possible.
- Practice social distancing.
- Avoid large gatherings and crowds.
- Wear a mask.
Conclusion
You should at least get your antigen test done within the first three days that you feel like having symptoms of COVID-19. It may be possible that you get a negative covid test report. The fda approved rapid test kits are hugely dependable and they can be done at home.
This Covid-19 testing kit i.e., the antigen test is just a primary test that is done to detect COVID-19. If you do not have symptoms you can stay assured that you do not have a COVID-19 infection. But if your tests turn out to be positive, you should always double-check with a PCR test.