
15/01/2022
FACTS ABOUT COVID ANTIGEN TEST
1. What is a Covid Antigen Test?
It detects coronavirus proteins on the mouth and throat. This test determines whether a patient is currently infected with Covid 19.
2. How is Covid 19 Antigen Test Taken?
It typically involves a swab of the patient's nose and throat (can also be saliva or blood). Results are available within 15-30 mins.
3. Who should get a Covid 19 Antigen Test?
We recommend considering antigen testing if you are exhibiting coronavirus symptoms and you think you have been infected for approximately 2-4 days.
4. What a Positive Covid 19 Antigen Test Means?
A positive test result means it is EXTREMELY likely you are carrying Covid 19 virus. This means you are at risk from developing Covid 19 yourself and could also pass the virus to others.
We treat this as a true positive (patient should isolate) and no follow up RT PCR test is required.
5. What a Negative Covid 19 Antigen Test Means?
It means it is very likely you did not have Covid virus AT THE TIME OF YOUR TEST. It is however not a guarantee you are free from the infection because this test might have a false negative result.
We recommend RT-PCR test to confirm a negative antigen test result.
If you are currently experiencing Covid symptoms and you do not have access to either antigen test or RT-PCR test, the rule of thumb is to ISOLATE YOURSELF FOR 10 DAYS.