With the increased risk of every other person developing the Coronavirus due to its increased prevalence, testing for COVID-19 has become the new normal. The COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test or the Lateral Flow Test is one of such quick tests that allow a person’s Covid positive or negative status to be confirmed in no time. The testing kit resembles a pregnancy urine test. This is the most common type of test used to prove that you are currently infected when travelling abroad. This test is performed using a sample from the nose or throat using a swab that comes in the kit. The swab with the collected sample (fluid) is then deposited in a tube and poured on a self-absorbent pad. The fluid gets sucked up through capillary action from this pad until it is placed on a strip coated with Covid antibodies. If the oropharyngeal sample of the person contains the virus, a coloured line appears, marking the patient as positive. The Lateral Flow Test for Covid has transformed the testing mechanism for COVID-19 and made it much easier for everyone to get it done in no time! It is usually recommended that a person gets a Covid Lateral Flow test done if they have developed any of the following symptoms: - Fever with chills - Cough - Congestion - Shortness of breath - Muscular or body aches - Loss of taste or smell - Diarrhoea - Nausea or vomiting.

FAQs on Covid Antigen/Lateral Flow Test

What are the symptoms of Covid?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea. These symptoms are usually mild and gradually start. Some people become infected but do not develop any symptoms and do not feel bad. Most people (about 80%) cured of the disease without requiring special care. About 1 in 6 people who contract the COVID-19 became seriously ill and develop difficulty breathing. Older people and those with underlying medical problems such as hypertension, heart problems or diabetes are more likely to develop serious diseases. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical advice.

What is a rapid Coronavirus test?

Unlike PCR tests that require sending swabs to a specialised laboratory, the rapid tests (also called antigens) can return results without being sent to a specialised structure. Some tests provide results even while waiting in less than fifteen minutes. These tests are also known as lateral flow method or fluorescence.

Where can I do a lateral flow test to detect infection from Coronavirus in Italy?

If you want to do a private test, you can look for a laboratory or a pharmacy that offers this service. On faiuntestevai.it we have over 6,000 centres throughout Italy offering different types of Covid-19 tests including Antigen tests.

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