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

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.

Who should have a lateral flow test?

People in a high-risk environment can have a lateral flow test as it is faster. Now, self-testing kits are also available.

How accurate are lateral flow tests?

This test is less accurate than the gold standard PCR test; however, the test accuracy has shown to be higher when used by trained laboratory staff.

More information on Covid Antigen/Lateral Flow Test