Antigenic tests are immunological tests that detect the presence of one or more specific viral antigens, indicative of an ongoing viral infection. The clinical performance of these tests largely depends on the circumstances in which they are used and they give better results if the person is investigated in the early stages of SARS_CoV-2 infection, when the viral load is highest. As with all in vitro tests, the positive and negative predictive values vary in relation to the pre-test probability which depends on the prevalence of infection in the general population and the clinical picture of the subject performing the test.
Antigenic tests (screening) are first level diagnostic tools not to be confused with molecular tests (viral research in molecular biology using Polymerase Chain Reaction PCR); the sensitivity and specificity of the rapid test seem lower than those of the molecular test, therefore those who test positive on the rapid test must then undergo the molecular test to see the diagnosis of infection confirmed and exclude that it was a so-called false-positive.
At the laboratories of the network it is possible to perform the molecular swab RT-PCR with QR CODE at a cost of Euro 60, no medical prescription is required but only the health card / tax code.
Under current provisions, with ongoing symptoms it is not possible to perform the exam at health facilities, but only at regional drives.
The rapid test has a valid application in the field of screening, but it cannot be considered a diagnostic test in the clinical setting because it has important limitations: it is possible, in fact, that “false negatives” are obtained and therefore patients who are negative at tests are actually positive, or “false positives” when other coronaviruses are detected.
The prescription of the test substantiates the diagnostic suspicion and therefore it must be compulsorily followed by reporting to the hygiene and public health service (SISP) competent for residence and domicile.
The registration of all tests and results will be sent accordingly to the regional platform of the COVID body and the positive cases sent to the SISP competent for residence and domicile.
