RT PCR is too slow for effective control of spread of cov 2 infection, rapid antigen test by giving results in less than 30 minutes can help identify infected persons leading to quick isolation.Lack of sensitivity can be compensated by repeating RAT after a day or so.

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.