| The United States is once again watching coronavirus cases and hospitalizations rise as summertime nears. Nearly half of Americans – 45 percent – are living in communities with medium or high community levels of COVID-19, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, and experts say the real numbers are likely far higher. Show
With little public masking and official tests undercounting the true scale right now, people must rely on personal decision-making more than ever. Though COVID deaths haven’t yet begun to mirror the latest uptick, the U.S. recently hit the grim milestone of 1 million record COVID deaths, and that number continues to climb. So what can Americans be doing now to slow or limit the spread of the virus? And how does at-home testing fit into the picture? “Antigen tests are one of the most underutilized tools of this pandemic,” epidemiologist Katelyn Jetelina told PBS NewsHour digital anchor Nicole Ellis in a recent conversation. Jetelina, who writes the Your Local Epidemiologist newsletter about the science of the pandemic, offered some advice about the best times and ways to use this tool. Watch the conversation in the player above. Why should you use an antigen test instead of a PCR test?Jetelina explained they are two different tools with different benefits. “PCR tests just tell us if we have the virus in our system or not. It doesn’t tell us whether we’re contagious or not.” – Katelyn Jetelina Both types of tests typically use a nasal swab to collect a sample, but antigen tests look for a specific protein carried by the virus, while a PCR (or polymerase chain reaction) test tries to match the virus’ genetic material. A negative test result for either type of test does not ensure that you do not have COVID – it means the test did not detect it. But antigen tests are “really good at telling us if we’re infectious or not,” she said during the May 17 conversation. “This is very different than PCR tests. PCR tests just tell us if we have the virus in our system or not. It doesn’t tell us whether we’re contagious or not,” Jetelina added. The omicron variant has thrown a little wrench into the timing of rapid testing, she said, because people are becoming symptomatic earlier than with past variants. Jetelina recommended waiting 24 hours after symptoms develop before you use an antigen test. How should you use an antigen test if you know you have COVID?One benefit of antigen tests is that when someone with a positive COVID result has been isolating for several days, a negative rapid test can signal that they are no longer contagious and it’s safe to see others. If you know you have COVID or have symptoms and are waiting for a test result, the current recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is to isolate for five days and to wear a mask in public for an additional five days. But that policy isn’t always foolproof, Jetelina said. WATCH MORE: White House COVID response coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha discusses the growing virus surge “The current recommendation right now is that five days after you’re symptomatic, you can leave isolation,” she said. “But what we’re seeing is that people are still contagious seven, 10 and 12 days later after the first symptomatic disease.” So a negative antigen test can offer greater reassurance. When else should you use an antigen test?“At-home testing is a really great tool to use to break transmission chains, especially if you just came back from a high-risk activity. For example, maybe you went to a concert and you don’t want to bring the virus back to your family,” Jetelina said. It’s also a good idea to test yourself right before you’re planning to visit someone who is vulnerable, like a loved one who lives in a nursing home. Most insurance providers, including Medicare Part B, state Medicaid plans and CHIP will pay for at-home rapid tests. Private health insurance must cover up to eight rapid tests per member per month. Depending on the provider, rules can vary on whether you can pick them up for no out-of-pocket cost or whether you have to apply for reimbursement. Rapid tests can also be paid for or reimbursed with a flexible spending account (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs), according to the IRS. A COVID-19 antigen test detects coronavirus proteins in the mouth and throat. This test determines whether a patient is currently infected with COVID-19. Antigen testing is a suitable ‘first line of defense’ test against COVID-19, particularly in individuals who have COVID symptoms, because it is a relatively simple procedure, and is quicker than other approaches – like PCR testing; it typically takes around 15 minutes for a result. It is less accurate than PCR testing, however, as a high viral load is required for the antigen test to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). Some people in the early or late stages of infection may therefore return a false result, although this is not common.
How is a COVID19 Antigen Test Taken?COVID-19 antigen tests typically involve a swab of the patient’s nose and throat (sample can also be saliva or blood). This sample is then analyed using the same underlying processes as a pregnancy test. Results are typically available within 15 to 30 minutes of the sample being analysed, meaning a patient on site may have their results before they leave.
Antigen Testing at UnilabsUnilabs and International Guidelines consider PCR to be the “Gold standard” for diagnosing current COVID-19 infections, due to its higher sensitivity and accuracy. PCR testing can also reliably detect COVID-19 in people who have no symptoms or signs, which is true in around 1/3 of infected people. However we recognise there are specific situations when the speed and simplicity benefits of antigen testing make it an attractive option; for example, the mass-testing of schoolchildren and their families, or last-minute testing of travellers. Unilabs works with a wide variety of businesses and groups to deliver bespoke antigen testing programmes at scale. Portugal Get tested Slovakia Get tested Switzerland Get tested Peru Get tested Spain Get tested Czech Republic Get tested France Get tested Netherlands Get tested Talk to us today about whether COVID-19 antigen testing is right for your circumstances or contact us if you represent an organization.  What to expect from a Unilabs COVID-19 Antigen Test:Here is what you will experience during a Unilabs COVID-19 antigen test:
Understanding Your COVID-19 Antigen Test ResultsThere are 3 possible outcomes you may receive from a COVID-19 antigen test: 1. Positive COVID-19 antigen test result 2. Negative COVID-19 antigen test result 3. Void antigen test result
Here is what each outcome means: What a Positive COVID19 Antigen Test MeansA positive COVID-19 Antigen test result means it is extremely likely you are carrying SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). This means you are at risk from developing COVID-19 yourself, and could also pass the virus on to others. You should seek medical advice in relation to your infection and follow local government guidelines, which usually involves self-isolating for a recommended time to avoid infecting others. What a Negative COVID19 Antigen Test MeansA negative result from your COVID-19 Antigen test means it is very likely you did not have Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 virus) at the time of your test. Negative Antigen test results are not a guarantee you are free from infection, and of course do nothing to change your risk of future infection. You should continue to practise social distancing and cleanliness protocols with the usual rigour, and follow your local government advice day-to-day What a Void COVID19 Antigen Test MeansA void antigen test means your test was not viable. Most void results are due to a fault with the testing kit. Fortunately, with antigen testing being so swift, in many instances a second test can be swiftly taken and evaluated. Who Should Get a COVID-19 Antigen Test?Unilabs recommends COVID-19 PCR testing as the most accurate test for diagnosing current coronavirus infections. We recommend considering antigen testing if any of these circumstances apply:
Contact our team today to discuss whether PCR or antigen testing is the best solution for the needs of you, or your organisation. What does it mean when antigen test is negative?Negative antigen result
The sample you have given is negative for SARS-CoV-2 (the covid-19 virus). This means that covid-19 viral RNA was not detected in your nose and throat on the day you took the test.
Does negative antigen mean no Covid?If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and you get a negative antigen or PCR test result, you should self-isolate until you have not had any symptoms for 48 hours. Your negative PCR or antigen test result does not mean that you've never had COVID-19. It just means that the virus was not found on the sample that was taken.
Can I have Covid with negative antigen test?Negative antigen test result
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, continue to self-isolate until you've had no symptoms for 48 hours. A negative test does not mean you do not have COVID-19. It just means that the virus was not found on the sample you took.
|
What does a negative antigen test mean
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 kemunculan Inc.
