Early detection of the COVID-19 virus or Corona virus is very important to do in times like this. With early detection, we can both avoid and break the chain of spreading the COVID-19 virus to the people around us. Currently, PCR swabs and rapid tests are common types of tests to detect whether a person is infected with the COVID-19 virus or not. However, some time ago the WHO (World Health Organization) approved rapid antigen as a test that can also be used to detect the COVID-19 virus. In the end, people are confused about the differences between PCR swab, rapid test and rapid antigen. To answer this, let us examine the differences and definitions of the three!
PCR Swab
A swab is a cotton stick that is rubbed into the nasopharynx or oropharynx cavity to get mucus to be used as a sample.
Meanwhile, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a type of examination to detect genetic patterns (DNA or RNA) of a cell, germ, or virus, including the COVID-19 virus. Until now, the PCR test is the most recommended test by WHO for diagnosing the COVID-19 virus.
Although the results of this test take several days, the PCR test has a high degree of accuracy. PCR swab to find out that a person's nasopharynx or oropharynx contains the Covid 19 virus.
Rapid Test
Rapid antibody test is a test method using a cartridge device with blood from a vein at the tip of our finger as a sample. Rapid antibody test serves to detect antibodies in the body when infected with the virus. As the name implies, the results of this rapid test can be immediately known in a short period of time which generally only takes about 15 minutes. ANTIBODI is a special immunity that is formed and detected in the blood due to the entry of microorganisms (viruses, bacteria) known as immunoglobulins (Ig).
There are 2 Ig, namely Ig M and Ig G. What's the difference? Ig M is Ig that is formed as an initial response to microorganisms. Over time this Ig M will decrease and be replaced by Ig G, namely continued Ig that will last several months and when given a booster injection this Ig G will last for years.
Rapid Antigen
ANTIGEN is part of the body of germs / viruses.
Rapid Antigen Swab test means examination of the nose smear to look for parts of the body or more specifically the germ / virus protein.
Rapid Antigen will be positive if body material is caught from any Corona virus and is not specific for Covid-19, positive results require a PCR confirmation test to be sure
To detect the Covid-19 virus, a rapid antigen test is more appropriate than a rapid antibody test because rapid antibodies only detect the body's reaction to the entry of the virus.Even so, this rapid antigen test still cannot beat the accuracy of the PCR test.
Difference of PCR swab, Rapid Test, Rapid Antigen
After knowing the definitions of the three test methods, here are some differences in PCR swab, rapid test, and rapid antigen:
Length of inspection time
PCR swab takes a longer time (one to several days) compared to rapid antibody or rapid antigen which only takes a matter of minutes.
Level of accuracy
The level of sensitivity and specificity of PCR swabs was high, whereas rapid antigen had high sensitivity and specificity MODERATES. For rapid antibodies, it cannot detect the virus but detect antibodies that arise due to the entry of the virus into the body.
The sample used
The samples used for PCR swabs and rapid antigen are mucus in the nasopharynx or oropharynx. Meanwhile, the rapid antibody test uses a blood sample taken in a vein at our fingertips.
That is the definition and difference of PCR swab, rapid antibody test, and rapid antigen. Immediately detect the COVID-19 virus if you feel the symptoms or if you think you have been in contact with someone who is positive for the COVID-19 virus. Proper and accurate handling of the COVID-19 virus can save the life of you and those around you.
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