The new SARS-CoV-2, a member of the single-stranded RNA coronavirus family, causes COVID-19 infection. Dry cough, fever, and weariness are some of the most common symptoms noticed in COVID-19 patients, whereas muscular discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, loss of smell, vomiting, chills, and conjunctivitis are some of the less prevalent symptoms. COVID-19 individuals may experience significant symptoms such as shortness of breath, disorientation, lack of appetite, and others. People over the age of 60, as well as those with any type of co-morbid illness, such as cancer, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and others, are at a higher risk, according to the World Health Organization.
What are rapid diagnostic tests?
The presence of viral proteins (antigens) produced by the COVID-19 virus in a sample from a person's respiratory tract is detected by rapid diagnostic testing (RDT).
If adequate quantities of the target antigen are present in the sample, it will bind to particular antibodies attached to a paper strip contained in a plastic casing and create a visually discernible signal within 30 minutes.
Are COVID-19 rapid antigen tests reliable?
According to experts, rapid tests are most reliable when performed on persons who show symptoms. In those circumstances, fast testing outperforms PCR tests processed in laboratories, which are commonly used by clinicians to diagnose Covid-19 and might take a day or more to process.
Another, more prevalent form of a fast diagnostic test for COVID-19 identifies the presence of antibodies in the blood of patients suspected of being infected with the virus.
After being infected with the virus, 2-5 antibodies are created over days to weeks. The strength of antibody response depends on several factors, including age, nutritional status, the severity of disease, and certain medications or infections like HIV that suppress the immune system.