Everything You Need To Know About Rapid Antigen Testing For Travel

Also known as RATs, rapid antigen tests are taken with a front of nose swab to detect the presence of specific proteins from the Covid-19 virus.

This test is often used interchangeably by people with RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction), which apparently is not right. You see, rapid antigen testing for travel is different from RT-PCR, which detects genetic material from the virus called RNA. Samples used for RT-PCR tests are collected with nasopharyngeal swabs – a combination of oral and nasal swabs. 

The Use of RATs during the Omicron Outbreak

RATs have proved themselves useful during the Omicron outbreak. RAT results come faster than the PCR tests. That was critical in managing Omicron once it was widespread in the worldwide community. A RAT result is available around 20 minutes from the time when the sample was collected. RATs are extremely useful for the detection of Covid-19 when someone’s viral load is high when individuals are most infectious.

The use of RATs enables PCR testing capacity to be available for use in key workforce protection (healthcare), surveillance, and diagnostic settings. In the near future, we can expect RATs to support those that need them the most. The best part is RATs are free under the public health response but note that criteria will apply for when and where they are used. 

·        Key Points to Remember About RATs

Of all the information available out there, you should know that RATs are not mandatory and are not suitable for everyone. It is up to you and businesses to choose whether they want to use RATs.

RATs offers:

·         A faster turnaround than a laboratory PCR test. If we have to talk in numbers, it would be 15-20 minutes compared to 2-5 days.

·         An additional level of protection for a business’s workers, contacts, and obviously customers.

RATs are not:

·         As accurate and to-the-point at detecting Covid-19 as nasopharyngeal and saliva PCR tests that are used for diagnosis of people with Covid-19 symptoms.

·         A replacement for existing nasopharyngeal swab and saliva PCR tests.

·         Mandatory for businesses

·         A replacement for vaccination

Final Thoughts

That’s all there is for you to know about rapid antigen testing for travel. And that now that we have cleared all those clouds of confusion over your head, it’s time for you to spread the word and let others know about it.