There is a new rapid COVID-19 test that will help healthcare professionals detect active coronavirus infections.
SEPRI has already made this test available, which allows results to be obtained in just 15 minutes, at an affordable price.
The indicated test has a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 99.4% in individuals with suspected exposure to COVID-19 or with symptoms in the last 7 days. The sample is taken using a swab, through nasopharyngeal exudate, but differs from the traditional PCR test in that it does not need to be analyzed in a laboratory.
Results are obtained in 15 to 20 minutes.
This new test is an antigen test, which detects a protein from the virus to determine infection, providing essential information on the period when infected individuals are most at risk of transmitting the disease.
Testing more frequently and obtaining faster results seems to be the main advantage of this quicker and more accessible test.
Please note that the test must be carried out by health professionals who have been properly trained.
If you need testing, contact SEPRI: geral@sepri.pt or 253 271 525
