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 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.

Do I need a doctor's prescription for a rapid antigen Covid test in Italy?

Usually antigen tests/lateral flow tests do not require the prescription of a doctor in Italy. However, it is good to inform your doctor about the values ​​of the results in order to enable it to assess whether or not there is the need to prescribe a possible molecular tests.

How long it takes to get the result of a rapid test?

The rapid antigen tests are designed for quick results and rapid detection of the new coronavirus. Usually, you can get results from an antigen test within 15 minutes. This is because the test does not require any specialized laboratory equipment and can easily be performed in a doctor's office or clinical setting. Keep in mind that increased testing across the nation can mean a more significant burden on laboratories, which may contribute to longer waiting times than usual for a lab result.

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