{"id":43333,"date":"2022-03-08T11:22:16","date_gmt":"2022-03-08T03:22:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/therfiles.com\/?p=43333"},"modified":"2022-03-08T15:00:37","modified_gmt":"2022-03-08T07:00:37","slug":"comparing-type-of-covid-19-tests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/therfiles.com\/comparing-type-of-covid-19-tests\/","title":{"rendered":"Comparing Type of Covid-19 Tests – RT-PCR and RTK-Ag"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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When will your RTK-Ag and RT-PCR rapid tests show a positive result if you are infected with the COVID-19 virus?<\/span> <\/span><\/h4>

The RTK-Ag test can usually detect infection on day 3 to 7 after a person is exposed to COVID-19 patients, while the RT-PCR test can detect infection as early as day 2 to 14 after infection.<\/span> Therefore, the accuracy of RTK-Ag and RT-PCR tests is dependent on the duration of infection at the time the sample was taken.<\/span> The use of the RTK-Ag test is recommended for individuals who are symptomatic or are in a high-risk group if asymptomatic.<\/span> MOH has approved the use of RTK-Ag as an alternative method of testing COVID-19 other than RT-PCR.<\/span> However, RT-PCR testing is still the gold standard for detecting COVID-19 infection.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

RTK-Ag (Rapid Test Kit-Antigen)<\/h3>
  • Not as accurate compared to RT-PCR test. It is for screening and not the diagnosis of Covid-19.<\/li>
  • Test can be performed by yourself at the comfort of your own home or by a trained practitioner.<\/li>
  • Results can be obtained very fast, after about 15 minutes.<\/li>
  • Test kits are not expensive, they can cost as low as below RM5.<\/li><\/ul>

    Cassette type <\/strong>– More steps compared to Lolly test type. Straight forward, reliable if there is enough viral load.<\/p>

    Lolly test type <\/strong>– Easy, single test device. Takes longer time to collect enough saliva sample. If you take too long to collect your sample, the test may become invalid.<\/p>