The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reported that quick antigen tests are not fully-proof, but they are an important means to detect. The test is not very sensitive to the Omicron variant, as disclosed by several laboratories lately.
FDA Says That The Antigen Tests Are Not Full Proof But Important
The National Institutes of Health showed the FDA proof that although most people were relying on such tests to get their results faster, they may be less sensitive. The tests spot an infection very less often.
The CDC has further said, how less sensitive the tests are, as it may discourage the public from utilizing them. It is believed that they do produce results in certain cases, though not always. Studies are being conducted to ascertain why the test is less sensitive.
Once the government is able to find that out, the government and the health department will get together to resolve the issues pertaining to the lag. Till then, the authorities plan to keep the release of such information on hold.
From the very beginning, the RAT was considered less potent to find out infections. However, due to the longer period required by RT-PCR, it was considered as a test to fall back on. Another benefit of these tests is that they are faster and cheaper. So, people are also checked at home, thus staying away from crowds at the testing centers.
The FDA has suggested people continue to take these tests and also follow all instructions related to the same more closely. If anybody tests negative on RAT but feels sick. Then, the authorities have urged them to go for the RT-PCR test.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is heading research on the diseases, encouraged people to use the test to determine the level of infection. He has said that the tests are still important when the TAT is higher and one needs a diagnosis.
He has urged the citizens across the U.S. to go for the tests without any hesitation. As it offers the first line of defense. He also went on to say that RAT was never 100% proof. However, it was being used as it was faster and cheaper. He has said that what the FDA is saying is nothing new.
However, people should still take the test for rapid diagnosis of the Omicron. The government has also said, that the people need to take the RAT at schools and campuses. There is a large population at risk at such places, thus making it all the more necessary as these tests are handy.
Fauci also said, that the FDA wants to be more transparent with the public and has released the data. Critical comments have come own from several quarters that criticize the statements made by the FDA.
The officials are wary of the fact, that such revelation can disrupt public confidence in the midst of the crisis. The doctors have said that all tests may falter on the first day. If anyone feels the symptoms or is sick, then it is evident that they are indeed so. A test may not be a single-most determinant of infection.
Abbott is one of the companies that manufacture such kits for home testing. The spokesperson from the company has said that the BinaxNOW test is performing well till now. Moreover, they also revealed that it has shown sensitivity to the Omicron variant.
Abbott is also monitoring the viral situation closely and has been making changes to its kits to suit the times. The data from their customer base has also proved efficacy under various circumstances. The company is quite hopeful of its RAT kits. The government is even planning to distribute such kits to the public for better detection.
