Is that going to be a problem?
Rapid tests seem to be less accurate with Omikron
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A few weeks ago it became known that the rapid tests for vaccinated people might be less accurate. Now it turns out that the antigen tests show a lower sensitivity with Omikron.
Investigations by the US Food and Drug Administration now indicate that the Omicron variant may no longer be detected as accurately by the antigen tests as previous variants. This is due to the lower sensitivity of the tests, according to the authority. However, this sensitivity is a measure of how likely it is that a test will give a positive result if an infection is present. So it could lead to false negative results.
Rapid tests are less sensitive than Omikron
The current data are based on initial research results with live viruses from real patients. Previously, the FDA had researched killed viruses and could not find any differences between the different variants, according to the “Tagesschau”. According to the FDA, the new data situation better reflects reality. However, the study is not yet complete.
However, the FDA recommends continuing to use antigen testing but sticking to official instructions. For some rapid tests, for example, it is recommended that two tests be carried out at an interval of a certain period of time in order to confirm a negative result.
Negative rapid test despite symptoms and / or close contact with infected people? Then PCR test
If a person has been tested negative by a rapid test, but still has symptoms or contact with an infected person, it is recommended to do a PCR test.
And why does a PCR test work more precisely now? PCR tests detect the genetic material of the virus and are therefore more accurate because they can make millions of copies of the virus’s RNA so that even the smallest amounts can be detected. Rapid antigen tests act on the protein fragments (proteins) from the envelope of the virus. However, this has mutated in numerous places at Omikron, which can make the test less precise.
The advantage of an antigen test, however, remains its quick and easy application – even in the living room at home and the low costs. The result comes within minutes, with a PCR test you have to wait several hours. In addition to vaccinations, both types of test are still considered indispensable parts of the pandemic containment strategy.
Sources used: tagesschau.de