With the ever-evolving nature of COVID-19, new strains of the virus have meant that we’ve had to adapt. The shift to the COVID-19 protection framework here in New Zealand and the subsequent rise of the Omicron variant has meant that we now no longer solely rely on PCR testing for the detection of COVID-19. Rapid antigen tests (RATs) have been gaining popularity as they’re easily accessible and allow people to test themselves at home if they develop symptoms, or come into close contact with another person that has the virus.
As case numbers reach the thousands and more and more people are exposed to the virus, New Zealand’s testing regime has shifted. Wider use of RATs is now common so that our testing stations are not overwhelmed. RATs have been emerging as an effective tool for the early detection of COVID-19; they can also help businesses to ensure they can continue to operate.
Here we explain what RAT tests are, the benefits that they can provide, and how they can be a useful tool for businesses navigating COVID-19.
What is a rapid antigen test (RAT)?
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are used to detect the presence of certain proteins of the COVID-19 virus using an immunoassay test principle. RATs can detect the virus in the early stage of infection, especially in the week before symptoms are apparent, and the first week of symptoms being apparent. While we have only just started to largely use RAT tests here in New Zealand, they have been widely used by many other countries for quite some time for the detection of COVID-19 – the UK, US, Canada, and more recently, Australia.
At the start of the pandemic, we heavily relied on PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests to detect COVID-19. So you may be wondering what is the difference between a PCR test and a RAT test, and why move to RAT testing now?
A PCR test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. These tests have a higher sensitivity and can even detect old remnants of the virus after an infection. PCR tests work by detecting the presence of the genetic material of the virus and work well to detect the virus early. These tests can sometimes detect the virus in someone before they fall ill with COVID-19, or start developing symptoms. The downside with PCR testing is that swabs need to be sent to a lab to be tested which then leads to a wait time of between 2 to 5 days to get test results back. In comparison, a RAT test will provide a positive or negative result within 20 minutes.
RATs are now the main testing method for people with COVID-19 symptoms, or who are a household contact. PCR tests are still being used in certain situations – this is determined by the healthcare professional.
The benefits of RAT tests
As we have already outlined, there are a number of benefits to using RAT tests, especially now that we are seeing higher case numbers in NZ. The benefits of RAT tests include:
Fast results: Rapid antigen tests will take no longer than 20 minutes to provide a result. Results often appear almost instantly allowing peace of mind and quick decision making around home isolation.
Convenient: RAT tests can now be purchased online and in shops like pharmacies which allows more people easier and quicker access to testing. There is no longer a need to wait in line for a PCR test at a testing centre, which can take hours if many people are wanting tests.
Ease of use: RAT tests are easy to use with many easy to follow instructional videos now found online. The test results are also easy to read so it’s clear whether you have a positive or negative result. A RAT test is also less invasive than a traditional PCR test making it more comfortable to do yourself.
Test accuracy: The sensitivity of a RAT test is less than a PCR test which means that results may not be as accurate. RAT tests perform best for people in the early stages of infection (usually within the first 5 days). Sensitivity of RAT tests can be mitigated by doing more frequent testing if you have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, or if you start developing symptoms.
Why RAT tests are an effective tool for businesses
As we start to live with COVID-19, it’s important that businesses can remain open – part of this is being able to regularly test staff for COVID-19. Previous close contact and isolation rules meant that a small business may need to shut its doors if a staff member tested positive, however, the new rules only allow for positive COVID-19 cases or household contacts to isolate. This takes a lot of pressure off businesses that need to remain open.
Rapid antigen testing is a useful tool for businesses as it allows their staff to easily test themselves at home, if they come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, or if they start to develop symptoms. A negative result means that staff can still come to work and they will have peace of mind knowing that they won’t be infecting colleagues or customers. As RAT tests work well for early detection, some employers also utilise them to test their staff every few days to make sure no undiagnosed COVID cases slip through the cracks. This can be particularly important for businesses that offer essential services or whose staff members may work in different offices or workplaces, from time to time.
With COVID-19 spreading among the community, RAT testing is one of the best tools we have to ensure staff members are well and early detection of COVID-19 is picked up, to help stop the spread. We stock rapid antigen tests that are approved by the NZ Ministry of Health and can be purchased in packs of 20. We also supply a wide range of PPE like face masks and gloves, which can help to minimise the spread of COVID-19.
To learn more about the RAT tests we supply and to order online, simply head to our website by clicking below.
