COVID-19 Testing: RT-PCR Test vs. Rapid Antibody-based Test
In its official Facebook page, the Department of Health Philippines explained the two types of tests used to diagnose the coronavirus disease. These are the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and the Rapid Antibody-based Test.
According to DOH, the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) Test determines if a person has a virus even before the symptoms occur. DOH considers this method as the most accurate.
The Rapid Antibody-based Test or Immunologic method, on the other hand, determines the presence of an antibody after a person exhibits the symptoms. It provides a result with limited certainty and is not used to confirm the coronavirus disease.
Which of the two is trusted to confirm COVID-19?
DOH prefers the RT-PCR Test because it determines the exact virus before a person show symptoms.
Meanwhile, the Rapid Antibody-based Test only determines the presence of antibodies which only shows after infection. It could give a False Negative result in asymptomatic persons.
What is a False Negative result? Is it dangerous?
The False Negative is an incorrect result wherein an infected person is declared to be negative to the disease.
The Rapid Antibody-based Test may provide this kind of result to persons who do not show any symptoms. This could give a wrong sense of security to the person with COVID-19 who is not infected with the disease.
It is dangerous because the person is unaware that he or she is infected and can infect other people as well.
Who are the persons qualified to be tested by the Rapid Antibody-based test kits?
The Rapid Antibody-based test kits are only applicable to all persons who are showing symptoms of coronavirus after 5 to 21 days. It will not give the correct results to persons without symptoms.
What are the steps to be taken for those with positive results?
Person with positive results using the Rapid Antibody-based Test need to be isolated and samples will be taken for RT-PCR testing. It is only when the PCR testing registers positive that the person will be declared a COVID-19 case.
What are the steps to be taken for those with negative results?
Person with negative results using the Rapid Antibody-based Test, especially those already with symptoms, still needs to be isolated and samples will be taken for RT-PCR Testing. It is only when the RT-PCR Test returned a negative result that the person can be considered free of COVID-19 infection.
What is the value of a Rapid Antibody-based test kits?
It will serve as a complementary test kit to evaluate if a patient is already free of coronavirus infection after undergoing the required 14-day quarantine after he or she was discharged from the hospital.
Are Rapid Antibody-based test kits available for purchase in the Pharmacy as an over-the-counter item?
No. Unlike pregnancy tests that are available for vending at the local pharmacy, the Rapid Antibody-based test kits may only be used in clinics and hospitals.
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