The coronaviruses (CoV) are a broad family of viruses that cause a variety of diseases including colds, MERS, and SARS. In 2019, a new strain of the virus known as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) started a global pandemic.
Scientists came up with a variety of ways to detect the virus in a human being. The fastest way to determine if you have the virus is through an antibody rapid test kit.
What is the Rapid Antibody Test (RAT)?
The antibody test detects the presence of immunoglobin G (IgG) and immunoglobin M (IgM) antibodies in the human plasma, blood, or serum. The body releases these antibodies in response to a bacterial or viral threat.
Detection of IgG indicates a previous or secondary infection. Detection of IgM indicates a recent infection.
Take note that the antibody test is an auxiliary diagnosis of COVID-19 and not a standalone test.
As of date, the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) test is currently the gold standard in determining COVID-19 infection.
Can you take the test?
You are eligible as long as you have no history of close contact with people infected with the COVID-19 virus or those with suspected cases. You should not have symptoms for at least 14 days. These symptoms include:
Fever
Sore throat
Cough
Loss of smell and/or taste
Nasal congestion
Colds
Diarrhea
Tiredness
Muscle pain
What should you prepare before going to a clinic for testing?
First of all, make sure you have a mask on before going to any clinic. Get a laboratory request form from your physician. You have to be screened, interviewed, and assessed by a medical doctor to ensure you are eligible to take the test.
What sample will they get from you?
They will need a blood sample from you. It will take just a little prick on your finger.
How long will you get results?
You do not have to wait a day. You can sit still for 15 minutes and get your results.
Are the results reliable?
Yes, as long as you get your test from a licensed laboratory. The quality and precision of the test are essential against the war on COVID-19. In general, the tests are not 100% accurate but have an accuracy rate higher than 90%.
Bottom Line
If you want to determine if you have a COVID-19 infection in 15 minutes or less, you can have it with an antibody rapid test kit.