The COVID-19 rapid test is one way to detect the corona virus in a person’s body. This rapid test use a blood sample and the results appear within 15-30 minutes.
The blood sample being test is use to determine the condition of the antibodies in the body as a result of the reaction against the virus.
In the rapid tool there are three indicators which are Control (C), Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM).
Then how to read the rapid test results?
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is an antibody that forms 5-7 days after a person is exposed to the virus or immunization. Meanwhile, Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is an antibody that appears shortly after a person is exposed to a virus or immunization.
After taking a blood sample, if there is no line that appears in all three indicators, it means the test failed and must be repeated. Here’s how to read the results based on three indicator lines:
- NEGATIVE or NON-REACTIVE if only one line appears on the Control (C) indicator.
- POSITIVE or REACTIVE if three lines appear on all indicators C, IgG and IgM or on two lines between IgG and IgM. If the line appears on IgM it means that the person is in the early stages of infection. But if the line appears in IgG and IgM, the patient is consider to be in the active infection phase. Meanwhile, if only on the IgG line indicator, it means that a person is in the final phase of infection until he is cured. Or it can also mean that he has a history of COVID-19 infection.
However, we have to remember that this rapid test has low accuracy. It could be that those who are negative are in a window period so that the infection has not been detected. Its important for them to do self-isolation and retest again in the next 10 days.
So even on the positive results but no symptoms, better to do self isolation and retest 10 days later.
Both negative and positive results from the rapid test, it is better to confirm it through Polymerase Chain Reaction or PCR / SWAB which is more sensitive and has high accuracy.
Notes from DeveHealth:
As we know, Rapid test COVID-19 is important as early detection of corona virus. Because many cases of people with no symptoms, then keep doing the protocol to prevent COVID-19.
Be diligent in washing your hands, wearing masks, keeping your distance and getting enough nutrition to increase your immunity. Avoid stress because it can lower your immunity!
