Reliability of Antigenic Tests Questioned by Omigron Variation – Release

U.S. officials warn that sensitivity to antigenic tests for the Omigron variant will decrease. An opportunity to remind people that we should not completely trust these tests which are the only weapon for others in dealing with the virus.

“Preliminary data suggest that antigen tests may detect omigran variation but may reduce sensitivity.” This is a simple update On the website of the American Institute of Health (FDA) The principle of preventive antigen testing has been casting doubt, but the most popular this holiday season and the sharp increase in Govt-19 cases.

For Christmas and the coming New Year, many come for self-examination, now available at supermarkets or going to the pharmacy with their friends or family for a quick check before waking up. But will the Omigron variant make these tests obsolete? Its dozens of mutations, different from other types, allow it to most effectively infect those who have already been vaccinated or survived Covit-19. Do they also allow you to avoid being diagnosed by antigenic tests?

Different opinions

In this case, everything related to the Govit-19 epidemic, scientists are trying to get information in one go. In this case, the variant was discovered a month ago. “Numerous studies have confirmed that detection by antigenic tests has the same level of sensitivity (self-tests and laboratory tests).” Whatever the variation, the French Science Council promised Its comment on December 16th. On December 22, Australian scientists Published the initial results Rapid analysis of the sensitivity of ten antigenic tests. It was similar to Delta and Omigran.

Without completely changing the opinion of scientists on this matter, the opinion of the FDA brings the negative side. Furthermore, the FDA itself continues to approve these tests. “These are based on the latest data and each antigenic test”, Comment Release Member of the Science Council.

Rather, this concept explains the confusion about the usefulness of these experiments. It has long been known that PCR detection is more reliable. One step, it detects 95% of cases Cochrane Foundation Literary Study, 72% compared to antigenic tests and 58% without symptoms if patients had symptoms. So PCR is the main test. But increasing the number of antigens (on self-examination or in pharmacies) also makes it possible to quickly detect some cases, even if some fall between the cracks of the web.

Useful tool but not enough

There is a misconception in the belief that a negative antigenic test will guarantee the absence of infection, which allows for the issuance of inhibition signals. This is wrong. Antigenic tests are of great benefit worldwide. At the personal level, wearing a mask is another effective tool that should be combined with vaccination to reduce the risk of ventilation and spread of the premises.

As for self-testing, the quality of the model depends on everyone, and the result is doubtful about reliability. Government site A few days before the family reunion suggests doing: “Perform at least two self-examinations as early as possible in the days leading up to contact with your loved ones to increase your chances of detecting the virus at the onset of the disease.”. We have never had so many swabs in our nose.