If you are considering a rapid antigen test for travel, you need to make sure that you know as much as possible about this test before you go ahead to take it. There are pros and cons to this form of coronavirus testing, which delivers results in minutes but has less reliable results compared to other Covid tests. One thing you need to keep in mind is that availability of rapid antigen testing varies by location. So, chances are you may or may not have access to one. You should be ready for what is known so far about rapid Covid testing.
When it comes to Covid tests, there are two main categories. There are diagnostic tests that tell you whether you have an active coronavirus infection. Right now, there are rapid antigen test for travel and more precise molecular tests. The main molecular test that is popularly used right now is based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), but there are other types of diagnostic molecular tests. Another name for the diagnostic test is a virus test.
There are also antibody tests which you have probably heard of. These tell you whether you had a prior Covid infection. Again, there are rapid tests and conventional laboratory serology tests.
So, how does a rapid antigen test for travel work? A rapid Covid test is simply a type of diagnostic test. Rapid antigen tests usually measure viral antigens. These are substances that tell your body to produce an immune response to an infection. Antigens should not be mistaken for antibodies, which your immune system produces in response to signals from antigens. Trained personnel in various settings can administer a Covid rapid antigen test.
For more information on rapid antigen tests for travel, visit our website at https://www.harleymedic.co.uk/