Rapid test not productive in every instance: Epidemiology Chief

19 November 2020 07:01 pm - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Rapid Antigen test would be productive in many occasions but there were also occasions where a PCR test had to be conducted subsequent to the Antigen test, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said today.

Addressing a media briefing, Dr. Samaraweera said it was necessary to conduct a PCR test on a patient with Covid-19 symptoms at hospitals when his or her Rapid Antigen test result was negative.

“The Antigen test can also be used on dead corpse to ascertain the infection of the virus on the body. However, a PCR test has to be conducted to further verify the result of the Antigen test,” he added.

Dr. Samaraweera said the test would be used especially for contacts of the Covid-19 patients and people who arrive at hospitals with Covid-19 symptoms. However, if the Antigen test result becomes negative, a PCR test is carried out on such patients to reconfirm it.

“We will be able to rapidly identify Covid-19 patients because this test will be carried out at the site of the collection of the sample. The test should not be carried out in a laboratory and the test will only take 30 minutes to receive the reports,” he said.

Rapid Antigen tests were carried out from yesterday (18) to identify COVID-19 patients following approval of the Director-General of Health Services on Tuesday (17). (Sheain Fernandopulle)

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Comments - 10

Bandara Thursday, 19 November 2020 07:15 PM

Then why are u using?

joshua Thursday, 19 November 2020 07:42 PM

You are saying different things every day. Scrap everything and shut your mouth

FF Thursday, 19 November 2020 09:42 PM

FOR WHAT PURPOSE IS THIS RAPID TESTING KITS BROUGHT DOWN WHEN PCR IS AVAILABLE?

Lakminiha Thursday, 19 November 2020 11:13 PM

If the Rapid Tests are not productive in most instances, why did you approve it yesterday 18.11.2020. Was it to mark Hon. Prime Minister's 75th Birthday?

SAM Friday, 20 November 2020 07:31 AM

Is it to do business and boom up the political economy. It looks Some had been got down in advance even before the authorities had given approval to do so. Can never say they may even get them down for our next generation too.

Observer Friday, 20 November 2020 07:52 AM

We the members of the public are confused and put into a spin. Is there no benefit from the Rapid Antigen Test ? Everything seem to be in an ACHCHARU !

Man Friday, 20 November 2020 09:08 AM

Anniversaries are celebrated by importing those by that media head as productive for him and the people who protected and defended him, particularly by giving high posts.

FF Friday, 20 November 2020 09:17 AM

FUNDS GOING DOWN THE DRAIN BY IMPORTING TRASH

PJS Friday, 20 November 2020 11:16 AM

To avoid a confution all antigen samples must be subjected in batches for PCR-Pool testing.

Siribiris Friday, 20 November 2020 06:24 PM

Beware what you are talking. If you say something which hurt some people, your days are numbered.

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Rapid test not productive in every instance: Epidemiology Chief

Comments - 10

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