COVID-19 test suitability in workplace settings, when quick identification of whether a person is a carrier of the SARS-COV-2 virus is required, DropTech Rapid Antigen Detection Test (RADT) becomes an essential tool. With industry-leading accuracy and sensitivity of more than 92%, the test identifies the actual presence of the virus in comparison to antibody-measuring tests that can only detect if a person has had an immune reaction to the virus – a less meaningful measure of past infection.
The current gold-standard test is real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), a molecular test that requires a complex, arduous laboratory process and skilled technicians. This takes at least 24-48 hours for results, a time-delay that may not be practical in many situations. Furthermore, the high sensitivity of rRT-PCR means that a positive result may still occur weeks after transmission when the person is no longer infectious.
Rapid antigen tests like DropTech are quick. COVID-19 test suitability is in its simple, and inexpensive features compared to rRT-PCR, and is ideal in situations when a rapid result is desirable. A true-positive RADT result is also more indicative of a high viral load (a measure of infectiousness) even before the patient develops symptoms.