What are the challenges to expanding rapid tests to counter COVID-19?
After the demonic rise of SARS Covid-19, the world took some time to understand the pandemic and take action accordingly. As this virus has brought the world to its knees with its ability to mutate quickly, it has become difficult for virologists and doctors to find effective test measures to detect the virus and ways to prevent its infection. Medics took some time to react and understand the situations and they came up with lots of research and vaccines to minimize the risk.
As not to confuse respiratory diseases with the COVID-19, several tests have been made mandatory to detect the virus and act accordingly. The government also set up multiple RAT booths around hotspots and 24X7 assistance was provided. This helped our medics to cut the outbreak and put some restrictions on the virus growth. Few of these tests were already in practice to detect other respiratory diseases but with the covid outbreak, they became quite popular among the masses. Previously rapid diagnostic tests were used for preliminary or emergency medical screening or in medical facilities with limited resources. Due to the sudden outbreak, it took a while for governments as well to set up effective medical facilities and to make the population aware of what was going on and what was about to come.
Multiplex tests were done to detect multiple viruses with the help of a single test and to provide more comprehensive clinical reports. These tests played a key role helpful in differentiating the covid infection from SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B, RSV, and other respiratory viruses that had similar symptoms. As these tests were very helpful in identifying the other infections while on the other hand, they helped limit the consumption of single-use medical aids like pipettes, swabs, and clinical reagents which were in high demand during the pandemic.
A major difference between rapid diagnosis tests and RT-PCR is the fluctuation in the analytic sensitivity of the assay. As these tests were proven to be life saviors during the pandemic, several representatives from the medical fraternity raised their eyebrows at the usage of these tests.
Two major factors that were bothering the doctors are:
1. Accuracy: These rapid tests are 30%-40% less accurate when compared to RT_PCR tests. These tests were close to accuracy yet they lacked the assurance, which was equally hazardous during the pandemic. It was also observed that the rapid tests were effective within the first five days of occurring symptoms as compared to no symptoms.
2. Availability: These kits were highly helpful during the time of the pandemic, but as the world was panicking seeing the aftermaths of it, it motivated them to hoard the supplies, which they did with the test kits as well. Due to such scenarios, it was quite difficult to make the availability in large numbers, which can be demotivating for the ones who are actually in need of it. Whereas the molecular test kits were available with the hospitals and testing booths as being an authority, they were more likely to get the supplies as compared to small retail medical shops.
From the above excerpt, we can say that it’s better to opt for full-fledged rapid diagnosis tests at certified health care centers in the presence of professional doctors and nurses so that there should not be any doubt or negligence and the treatment can be started as soon as the symptoms are detected. AgPlus is one such innovative POC diagnostic solution that provides cutting-edge Medtech in understanding the patient’s medical condition and helps doctors and nurses in effective treatment without wasting time. AgPlus has been trusted and certified by doctors and medics across the UK.