Delhi Begins COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests That Give Results In Less Than 30 Minutes
Intensifying efforts to control the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Delhi government has commenced COVID-19 testing through the rapid antigen methodology at 169 centres in and around containment zones of the city on Thursday.
As cases swell in the national capital, the health infrastructure seems to be crumbling under pressure, with hospitals running full and shortage of medical staff.
Intensifying efforts to control the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Delhi government has commenced COVID-19 testing through the rapid antigen methodology at 169 centres in and around containment zones of the city on Thursday.
A total of 341 teams are involved in the rapid-antigen testing which makes results available within 30 minutes, an official told news agency PTI.
According to Union minister G Kishan Reddy, the Centre plans to conduct six lakh rapid antigen tests at these 169 facilities.
On Thursday alone, the target was to conduct 50,000 tests.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "Two important things happened today. COVID-19 testing rates in Delhi have been reduced to Rs 2,400 and rapid-antigen testing has started. I hope people won't face any problem in getting themselves tested now."
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About 7,040 tests were conducted on the first day of the rapid antigen tests on Thursday in Delhi of which 456 people were found positive.
What are rapid antigen tests?
A rapid antigen test is done on swabbed nasal samples that detects antigens (foreign substances that induce an immune response in the body) that are found on or within the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Reuters
The test is performed outside of a traditional laboratory, and is used to quickly obtain a diagnostic result.
In India, the ICMR has allowed the use of antigen detection kits developed by the South Korean company S D Biosensor, which has a manufacturing unit in Manesar.
Cost of the test
A healthcare worker at the testing centre said each testing kit costs Rs 450 and can provide results within 30 minutes as compared to RT-PCR test that takes three to four hours.
The testing method involves looking for antibodies which are produced when the body is exposed to a pathogen.
If a person has antibodies associated with novel coronavirus, it means the person is either COVID-19 positive or has recovered.
