Rapid antigen tests should be the preferred option for testing people in homes, schools and other educational establishments, in order to apply “appropriate public health measures quickly”.
The information is from the National Testing Strategy for SARS-CoV-2, published this Monday by the Directorate-General for Health.
The document also recommends these tests as an alternative to the RT-PCR molecular test for asymptomatic people who have had high-risk contact with a confirmed case and for patients without hospitalization criteria, with an indication for clinical surveillance and isolation at home.
The document also stresses that: “In urgent and emergent procedures, the absence of a laboratory test should not delay the provision of appropriate clinical care.” SEPRI already has these new rapid tests and a clinical team trained to provide the service, and is actively assisting partner companies in COVID-19 testing.
