The new Covid -19 Hi-Tech test you may not be aware of
This new Covid 19 Hi-tech test will provide result in 15mins, this technology includes an antigen test. The National Institutes of Health, working in collaboration with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), announced a third round of contract awards for the manufacturing of new Covid19 testing technologies. These awards are part of the RADX Tech program, this initiative aims to validate and commercialised a home based tests for convenience and to also improve clinical laboratory tests that will detect the virus.
We are all familiar with the two Covid 19 test, the at home rapid antigen tests you can purchase at the drug store and the PCR test which are carried out and processed in laboratories. The new Covid 19 hi-tech test is a molecular test that you can purchase online for home use. This home test combines the accuracy of PCR tests with convenience of antigen tests. The combination prevents false negative result.
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF COVID TEST
1. ANTIGEN TESTS
2. MOLECULAR TESTS
1. ANTIGEN TESTS
Antigens test looks for proteins on the surface of the virus and can generate result in less than 15mins. These tests are very convenient and affordable but not as accurate as a Molecular test. This result of a person who is still at an early stage of the infection may get a negative result, since its still early and not a enough virus in the system.
2. MOLECULAR TESTS
Molecular tests uses a different method to detect a virus, this test searches for virus genetic material instead of protein as the case may be and make copies of the virus genetic material in order to detect it. Thereby seeing virus than antigen tests. With this they can tell if they are infected or not.
Molecular test are not same as PCR test
PCR test means polymerase chain reaction. Its a test use to detect genetic material from a specific organism, such as virus. This test detects the presence of a virus if a person has the virus as at the time of the test. The test could also detect fragments of virus even after you are no longer infected. PCR test analyses your upper respiratory specimen, looking for genetic material known as (Ribonucleic acid RNA) of SARs – COV -2 the virus that causes Covid-19.
OTC Molecular test
The Food and Drug Administration authorised the first molecular test to detect the SARS COV-2 virus in a nasal swab at home without a prescription. This could help people qualify for time . Specific treatments . OTC molecular test is more preferable to antigen test. This test helps travellers to save Time and Money due to molecular test has a higher sensitivity which helps you relax and carry out the test at your convenience. The good thing about the test is that in the nearest future everyone would be able to afford these test.
