Rapid antigen tests (RATs) refer to quick point-of-care diagnostic tests which are commonly used for the detection of the presence of viral antigens of interest currently SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in human samples. These lateral flow immunoassay devices are able to identify of a current COVID-19 infection after the initial exposure to the virus or after the onset of symptoms. The portable single-use sample collection device eliminates the need for laboratory testing, and the results are available within 15 minutes. Rapid antigen test kits, therefore, are generally less expensive and quicker.

Rapid Antibody Tests refer to quick point-of-care diagnostic tests which are commonly used for the detection of the presence of IgG/IgM antibodies against virus of interest currently SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in human samples. These lateral flow immunoassay devices are able to identify of a current COVID 19 infection after the onset of symptoms. The portable single-use sample collection device eliminates the need for laboratory testing, and the results are available within 15 minutes.

To detect genetic material from a specific organism, such as a virus, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is used. If you are infected at the time of the test, the test will identify the presence of a virus of interest currently SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Even if you are no longer infected, the test may identify viral remnants.

Antigens are substances that cause the immune system to generate antibodies against them. Antigens are any foreign invaders, including infections (bacteria and viruses), chemicals, poisons, and pollens. Normal biological proteins can become self-antigens in diseased situations.

Antibodies (Ab), also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are big, Y-shaped proteins that help the immune system recognize and destroy foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. The antigen, which is a unique molecule of the pathogen, is recognized by the antibody.

Both rapid antigen and rapid antibody tests are lateral flow (cassette) tests, however PCR tests require a lab environment and lab equipment for working. This difference also mirrors to the required time for results: usually rapid antigen and antibody tests give results within 30 minutes while PCR test give results within 6-8 hours. There are also differences in term of sample they use. Although both PCR tests and rapid antigen tests are viral tests; they use different parts of virus of interest: an antigen test identifies particular proteins of the virus, a PCR test detects the genetic material of virus. An antibody test determines if you have generated antibodies against the viral illness of interest after being exposed to the virus.

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) allow us to screen the presence of disease of interest in a very short time, comparing with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This advantage provides us that screening a greater number of individuals in less time. In the case of a global pandemic like COVID-19, it is a critical advantage. Because many of the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of the flu, the common cold, and other illnesses, a test is necessary to determine whether or not someone has COVID-19. Symptoms might occur 2 to 14 days after viral infection and vary from moderate to severe disease. Some persons who have been afflicted do not show any signs of infection.

The capacity of a test to identify a person with illness as positive is referred to as sensitivity. A highly sensitive test produces fewer false negative findings, resulting in fewer cases of illness being overlooked. A test’s specificity refers to its capacity to label someone who does not have an illness as negative.

These tests are designed for diagnosis of viral infection of interest currently for SARS-CoV-2 infection. One who suspected as patient or one who show symptoms including both adults and children could use these tests for the diagnosis of infections to control the spread and to take medical care. These tests should be applied under adult surveillance for screening children.

COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which was recently found. Corona is represented by the letter CO, virus by the letter VI, and illness by the letter D.

Fever, cough, and exhaustion are the most frequent symptoms. Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or pressure, muscular or body pains, headache, loss of taste or smell, disorientation, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, and skin rashes are only few of the other symptoms. Infants may have difficulties eating in addition to these symptoms. COVID-19 can make children of any age sick. While children and adults exhibit comparable symptoms, children are more likely to have a milder disease than adults. Difficulty breathing/fast or shallow breathing (also grunting, inability to breastfeed in infants), blue lips or face, chest pain or pressure, confusion, inability to awaken/not interacting, inability to drink or keep down any liquids, and severe stomach pain are all symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

When an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, sings, or breathes, the virus can spread in tiny droplets from their lips or nose. People can be infectious whether they have symptoms because these particles range in size from larger respiratory droplets to tiny aerosols. According to the data thus far, the virus transmits mostly amongst persons who are near one another, generally within 1 meter. When virus-containing aerosols or droplets are breathed or come into direct contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth, a person can get infected. The virus can also spread in cramped and/or poorly ventilated interior environments, where people tend to spend longer amounts of time. Indoor places are riskier than outside locations, especially those with insufficient ventilation.  People can also become infected by touching their lips, nose, or eyes after encountering virus-infected surfaces. Experts are still investigating how COVID-19 spreads and which conditions are the most dangerous.

Yes, rapid antigen test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test can be used for detection of SARS-CoV-2 cases without symptoms, which can provide to determine asymptomatic individuals.

The risk of reinfection in the short term (within 90 days) appears to be minimal. However, there have lately been reports of rare occurrences of reinfection. We don’t know how often reinfection happens due to a lack of community testing and surveillance.