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.

Common conditions covered by a Covid Antigen/Lateral Flow Test

COVID-19, Influenza, Tuberculosis, HIV, Hepatitis C, SARS-CoV-2, Acute respiratory distress

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.

Are Covid-19 rapid tests are recognised by airlines?

Recently, the European Union has agreed to mutually recognise rapid antigen test/lateral flow tests.

Is a lateral flow test an important test?

The PCR test may take too much time for the results to be conclusive. A lateral antibody test is less costly, faster and more sensitive to identifying the covid19 virus. It has been important for hospital workers, frontline workers, and caregivers in times of covid19.

More information on Covid Antigen/Lateral Flow Test