Rapid COVID antigen tests are highly specific (>99%) but have moderate sensitivity and should only be conducted on symptomatic patients. Results are available within 30 minutes, aiding in rapid patient isolation to prevent infection spread. Positive results are considered true positives, while negative results in symptomatic individuals require further RT-PCR testing.

1. Rapid Covid Antigen test
When & how

2. Time lines of Biomarkers
RT PCR
Serology
Rapid Ag test
Day 0 3 7 14 21
Thresh hold of detection

6. Comments on Rapid Covid Ag test
• Studies by ICMR & AIIMS have confirmed very high specificity of the test
(>99%) but sensitivity is moderate & inferior to RT PCR
• Test should only be performed on symptomatic patients
• Advantage is results are available within 30 minutes for tracing & isolating
the patient, thus helping in containing spread of infection
• Positive results should be considered as True Positive & acted upon
• Data must be uploaded in real time on ICMR portal by the site performing
Rapid Antigen Test.
• Negative results in symptomatic patients should be further investigated by
performing RT PCR on a sample collected in VTM
• Results of RT PCR would be uploaded on ICMR portal by RT PCR performing
lab.