Advantages of the Corona rapid tests
In the context of the Corona pandemic, rapid antigen tests and self-tests for the detection of acute infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been approved since 02.03.2021. The rapid tests for home use can detect acute infections without the need to send them to a medical laboratory. Compared to rapid tests used by professionals and doctors in testing centres and medical facilities, these tests can also be used by medical laypeople. Because of this, these types of tests can also be sold in supermarkets as well as online and are not required to be purchased from pharmacies.
In addition, Corona antigen rapid tests offer a number of other advantages:
- Simple sample collection via a nasal swab or saliva
- Simple to perform without much effort
- Test result in the shortest possible time
- Cost-effective, as no laboratory capacity is required
- up to 95% accurate with an increased viral load
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Different types of tests - what are they and what are the differences?
Corona rapid tests are divided into PCR tests, which in most cases are evaluated in a laboratory, and antigen and antibody tests, which give a result after just a few minutes and can also be used at home by laypeople.
PCR test for medical evaluation in the laboratory
The PCR test is considered to be particularly informative and accurate, which is why it is used as a standard procedure for the precise detection of a coronavirus infection. The sensitivity and specificity of the method are particularly high. To take the sample, a swab is taken from the mouth, nose or throat. The mucus sample is then sent to a laboratory for evaluation. In the laboratory, any viral genetic material that may be present is multiplied and thus made visible. This can take some time - a result is available after 24 hours at the earliest. In addition to the classic PCR test, rapid PCR tests have also been developed. The method of taking the sample is similar to a simplified version of the PCR test. The advantage here, however, is that a mobile analysis device is used for the rapid test. It is therefore not necessary to send the sample to a laboratory.
Antigen and antibody tests for home use
At Medicalcorner24 you have the option to buy antibody and antigen tests for detecting a COVID-19 infection. In contrast to a PCR test, these types of tests offer less certainty, but can be carried out by medical laypersons and provide a result within a few minutes. Any measurement inaccuracies can be easily compensated for by repeating the test. A saliva sample or - similar to the PCR test - a swab of the nasal cavity is required for the antigen test. The sample taken is simply dripped onto a test strip or a test cassette. An antigen test detects protein traces in the form of protein fragments from the envelope of the coronavirus. If an infection is present, a discolouration of the test strip indicates this accordingly. An antibody test, on the other hand, shows whether an infection has already been overcome in the past and whether immunity might be present. A small amount of blood is taken from the fingertip and applied to the test.
How to perform the COVID-19 rapid test correctly
When you buy a COVID-19 rapid test, it is important that you always follow the instructions on the instruction leaflet. This is the only way to guarantee that a reliable result is obtained. Conventional rapid tests are often performed using a swab. In this case, a swab is taken from the inner wall of the nose. In contrast to the classic PCR test, deep penetration into the nose is not necessary, which means that the test can also be carried out by laypersons without medical knowledge. In a saliva test, on the other hand, the user's saliva is analysed for the antigen of SARS-CoV-2.
A test kit from Medicalcorner24 contains:
- Swabs
- Antigen test
- Extraction tube with extraction buffer
- Disposable bags for subsequent disposal
- Easy-to-understand handling instructions
Step-by-step instructions for the chopstick test
- Remove the stick with the swab from the packaging and insert it two to three centimetres into the nose. Now rub the swab against the external nasal septum with circular movements for 15 seconds.
- Repeat step one for the other nostril to pick up as many cells as possible.
- Now circle the swab in the liquid in the extraction tube for 20 seconds. Then close the tube.
- Take the antigen test cassette and place 5 drops on the sample hole.
- Read the result 10 minutes later. An early or late reading may falsify the result - the test should be considered invalid in these cases.
- Dispose of all components in the enclosed disposable bag.
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Frequently asked questions about Corona rapid tests
Even though compulsory testing has largely been abolished, self-responsible self-testing is important to continue to contain the pandemic and the number of infections. A Corona rapid test is recommended whenever you develop flu-like symptoms or have had close contact with a proven infected person.
Even if you meet people from risk groups (such as older people or people with pre-existing conditions), it is important to get tested so as not to put them at risk - even if you do not have any specific symptoms at the time. This way you can make sure that you do not inadvertently infect anyone.
A negative rapid antigen test does not rule out corona infection 100 %. However, with an accuracy of 80 to 99 %, it gives a first reliable result, which is often sufficient for everyday situations. Correct performance is essential to achieve the highest possible accuracy. Information on the sensitivity and specificity of the test can be found in the package insert. The sensitivity of the test refers to the ability to detect people who actually have the disease, while the specificity describes how well healthy people are detected.
In general, it can be said that an acute infection can be detected most reliably by a PCR test. However, since this has to be evaluated in a specialised laboratory, rapid tests are a time-saving alternative to obtain initial clues regarding a possible infection.
At Medicalcorner24 you will only find medical products that are certified and approved for private use. The CE mark and the corresponding test number are proof of this. In addition, all our tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 have received special approval from the BfArM (Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices).
I want to buy a Corona rapid test - which one should I choose?
The question of the right test depends on your specific reason for use. For travel and long-term planning, where you need a reliable result, a PCR test with subsequent evaluation in the laboratory is recommended. For self-monitoring, on the other hand, a simple rapid antigen test is sufficient, which provides the result after just a few minutes. Even though this is more prone to errors, this can be compensated for with a simple repetition of the test. If two antigen tests in a row show the same result, this can be considered confirmed.
If you have the impression that you have already had a corona infection unknowingly, testing with an antibody test is the right choice. However, this should be carried out at the earliest two weeks after the symptoms have subsided in order to be able to detect the corresponding antibodies in the blood.
Buy various test strips and Corona rapid tests
At Medicalcorner24 you will find a large selection of different test strips for reliable diagnostics. The products on offer always impress with high quality as well as ideal dispensing quantities. We offer test strips for a wide range of different applications:
Compare the tests and find theright product according to your ideas and for your area of application. If you have any questions about our diagnostic products, please do not hesitate to contact us.
