Rapid antigen testing (RAT) is a screening tool to help detect Covid-19 in people without any symptoms of Covid-19. It is also known as a lateral flow test (LFT) which can diagnose Covid-19 on the spot. RAT involves a nasal swab (using a small cotton bud) that is placed into a chemical solution. The result displays within 15 to 20 minutes. RATs have been used internationally, and in some Australian industries, to screen employees for Covid-19 with no symptoms.
This is not meant to replace the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests which are sent away to a lab to diagnose disease. PCR tests are used to directly screen for the presence of viral RNA like Covid-19, which will be detectable in the body before antibodies form or symptoms of the disease are present. If you develop symptoms or are identified as a close or casual contact of someone who has Covid-19, you must get tested at a clinic and self-isolate.
So how do Covid-19 tests work?
Two kinds of coronavirus test look for viral material. The PCR (or nucleic-acid-based test) and RAT (rapid antigen test). A third examines the immune response to infection.
What is obvious in this illustration is that whilst the PCR is very accurate, it takes considerable time to get the results and is costly.
A strategy of administering RAT in the workplace together with other Covid-19 safety practices can act as a cheaper more effective first line of defence. This together with employee vaccination and PCR testing can seriously minimise the impact of the virus in the workplace.
Remember, Covid-19 will not be eliminated even after high levels of vaccination, and is still transmissible.
So employers and the community will be faced with the ongoing challenge of how it manages the virus for the safety of its employees and any other parties entering their workplace and citizens in general.
Let's show you how easy it is to have a Safe Interact Rapid Antigen Test.