Did you know that the United States recently broke the record for COVID-19 cases? The United States shattered COVID-19 expectations by reporting over one million cases. You may have heard of different testing sites and measures that facilities and hospitals use.
Maybe you have searched, ‘what is COVID antigen test?’ We have your answers right here.
A rapid COVID antigen test can give quick, reliable, and easy-to-read results. Ultimately, this can help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus by increasing awareness and alerting health officials to active areas around the country.
If you have an interest in learning more about the validity and reliability of rapid COVID testing kits, keep reading for more information!
What Is COVID Antigen Test?
There are two types of COVID antigen testing: self-test and point-of-care testing. A rapid COVID test at home can be easily carried out by an individual and give you quick results. A COVID rapid antigen test in a school, clinic, or hospital setting is considered point-of-care testing.
Health care professionals use these tests to control the spread of COVID in public areas and provide treatment. What are rapid COVID tests?
These tests are similar to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. They are both designed to help detect whether you have the COVID-19 virus. The key difference between the two is that the PCR tests can take longer and are usually more accurate.
Trained clinicians or healthcare providers usually carry out PCR tests. However, a rapid antigen test for COVID can sometimes detect the COVID-19 virus right before you become symptomatic.
It is also an easy and effective tool for those showing symptoms. Why are they beneficial?
These tests can give results within minutes and are very user-friendly. If the test is positive, a healthcare professional can also perform a PCR test to confirm.
Are Rapid COVID Tests Accurate?
Recent studies show that a rapid antigen COVID test is fairly accurate and reliable. Almost 90% of symptomatic COVID-19 patients showed positive results on the rapid test. Over 70% of asymptomatic individuals also came back with a positive test result.
Rapid COVID tests are also more cost-friendly, easier to distribute, and require less training. These benefits make it a great tool in the public health sector. Keep in mind – PCR tests provide almost 100% accuracy at detecting COVID-19, but they require extensive laboratory equipment and more training.
It is more ideal in settings where verification of COVID-19 is needed. Rapid tests detect the virus at a higher threshold level. It is part of what makes it ideal if you have even mild symptoms.
In some cases, patients have not met the viral threshold level to test positive on a rapid antigen test. You should always continue to monitor a person’s symptoms, and if they get worse, a retest might be needed. Bulk COVID antigen tests are ideal for these scenarios since they are cheaper and faster to use.
COVID Testing Process
How does a rapid COVID antigen test work? Typically, most rapid tests come in a kit. The results will show directly on the testing kit, which means that providers do not need to bring results into a laboratory or use other special equipment.
Most people are familiar with the at-home testing kit. In this scenario, the patient or health provider will swab both nostrils and then place the tip in a solution (which is carefully distributed in a section on the kit).
After the kit is closed, the results will show up within a short time. A rapid COVID antigen test through
12panelnow.com operates a bit differently.
These tests are still FDA-approved and can give you results within fifteen minutes. Additionally, it does not require complex or added training for healthcare workers.
You will swab the patient’s nostrils and then place the swab in a small solution sample. After stirring the swab in this solution, you can place the lid back on the sample and provide a few drops of the solution on a provided testing device. The results will show up quickly with easy-to-read results.
Positive results from the testing kits at 12panelnow will have two red lines – one on the control section and the other on the test line. A negative result will only have a red marking on the control line. If the test is invalid, neither of these results will be visible, and you should redo the test for the most accurate results.
Benefits of Testing for COVID
There are several positive benefits of increasing the number of COVID-19 tests in America and worldwide. One important reason is that COVID spreads quickly in communities at a higher risk. These communities might include rural areas or people who have higher risk factors.
High-risk factors include comorbidities and those living in multi-generational homes. 12 panel now can provide local communities, hospitals, and facilities with critical means of stopping the spread. The new Omicron variant has also led to more cases and seems to be highly transmissible.
People who do not have work-from-home opportunities or are essential workers are even more at risk. Curbing the spread of COVID-19 starts with bulk orders of testing kits that can give patients results quickly. A 12panelnow coupon can help you save money on bulk testing kits.
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