At this stage of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s likely that each of us has taken at least one rapid Covid test. Many people who receive a negative rapid test result often breathe a sigh of relief.
However, a British doctor recently warned that if you test negative for Covid but have symptoms of Covid-19, you should still stay home and isolate.
In a TikTok video, British doctor Jamie Parker explained: “If you have a cough, possibly a change in taste or smell, and a fever, you might do a rapid test, and it comes back negative, are you planning to go to work? Don’t“.
Illustration of a rapid test tray
The doctor, part of the National Health Service (NHS), stated that if you have symptoms of Covid-19, you should stay home and schedule a PCR test – even if your rapid test result is negative.
Effectiveness of Rapid Covid Tests
Rapid Covid tests have been praised throughout the pandemic for their ability to quickly identify many cases.
Rapid tests for Covid-19 are often performed at home or in workplaces and shopping centers without the need for laboratory sample processing. Results are typically available within half an hour.
They work similarly to pregnancy tests, with a positive result usually indicated by two lines on the test tray.
Previous studies have shown that rapid Covid tests are over 80% effective in detecting any level of the virus in adults.
A study published in the journal Clinical Epidemiology found that rapid tests detect 90% of cases when patients are in the most contagious stage.
The UK Health Security Agency previously found that rapid Covid tests were more effective at detecting Omicron than earlier variants.
Previous studies have shown that rapid Covid tests are over 80% effective in detecting any level of the virus in adults (Illustration)
A study published by experts at the University of Oxford also indicated that rapid Covid tests are highly effective in both the early and late stages of the disease when virus levels are at their lowest.
Important Notes for Rapid Covid Testing
It is crucial that when performing a rapid Covid test, you carefully read the instructions – even if you have done many tests before.
Testing kits produced by different companies in various locations may have different instructions.
You should also avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes before taking the test as this can affect the test results and lead to false positives.
