Bronchoscopy, Here's What You Should Know

Rapid test antigen is a rapid test to detect the presence of a certain antigen in a person's body. An antigen rapid test is generally only done for screening, and the sample used depends on the disease you want to detect.

An antigen is a foreign substance that can trigger the system immune to form a resistance reaction in the form of antibodies. The aim of the rapid antigen test is to detect the antigen by examining the patient's blood or throat mucus sample.

Bronchoscopy, Here's What You Should Know

Antigen usually comes from outside the body (heteroantigen), for example from bacteria or viruses. The presence of antigens from certain bacteria or viruses in the body indicates an infection.

Indication of the Rapid Test for the Antigen

Common rapid antigen tests performed on patients suspected of having the following diseases:

  • COVID-19
  • Influenza
  • Malaria
  • Bacterial infection Streptococcus
  • Hepatitis B
  • Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid antigen tests are also performed on people who do not have any symptoms, but have the following factors:

  • Having close contact with someone suspected of having COVID-19
  • Planning to undergo treatment or hospitalization
  • Work in an area where health protocols are not optimal
  • Work in a hospital or other health facility

Antigen Rapid Test Warning

Before undergoing a rapid antigen test, There are several things that must be known, namely:

  • The results of the antigen rapid test can be influenced by how the saliva or mucus sample is taken, how the sample is handled before being tested, and the test kit
  • The results of the rapid antigen test are not always accurate, it can be either a false positive or a false negative
  • To confirm the diagnosis of an infection, the results of the rapid antigen test must be followed by other tests, such as RT-PCR, microorganism culture, or rapid antibody test

Antigen Rapid Test Procedure

The process performed by the doctor in the antigen rapid test procedure depends on the sample used. Samples can be mucus taken by the swab process from the nose, throat, or other parts of the body, it can also be blood that is drawn by sticking a needle into the fingertip.

The following are the steps on a rapid antigen test that uses a throat mucus sample:

  • The doctor will ask the patient to blow his nose if there is any.
  • The doctor will ask the patient to tilt his head, making the process easier mucus sampling. If the sample is taken by mouth, the doctor will ask the patient to open the mouth as wide as possible.
  • The doctor will insert a swab that resembles a long cotton bud into the nose or mouth, and push it up to the nasopharynx, which is the top of the throat that is located behind the nose.
  • The doctor will rotate or move the swab for about 15 seconds so that the mucus in the nasopharynx sticks to the device.
  • After that, the doctor will slowly pull the swab from the nose or mouth.

Meanwhile, the rapid antigen test uses a blood sample from the tip. the patient's finger ( finger prick ), the steps are as follows:

  • The doctor will clean the patient's fingertips with alcohol.
  • A special tool with The needle at the end will be inserted into the patient's fingertip.
  • The patient's fingertip that has been injured by the needle will be pressed until the blood from the wound drips onto the rapid test tool.
  • The doctor will drip the antigen detecting fluid (reagent) onto the rapid test tool that has previously been dropped by the patient's blood sample.

After the antigen Rapid Test

Patients can immediately know the results of the antigen rapid test about 15 minutes after the test is finished. The results of rapid antigen can be positive, that is, the presence of an antigen is detected; or negative, i.e. no antigen is detected.

Patients who get a positive rapid antigen test result may be advised to:

  • Perform self-isolation for 14 days
  • Underwent further examinations to get a more accurate diagnosis
  • Taking drugs, both to treat illness, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications
  • Go back to the doctor if symptoms worsen

Risks of the Rapid Test for the Antigen

The rapid test for the antigen rarely has any effect side or serious complications. The patient may only feel a little discomfort when the swab goes into the nose and throat or feel a little pain when the needle is inserted into the fingertip.

In addition, please note that the test results rapid antigen can be a false positive or a false negative. False positive means that the test is positive, even though there is no antigen in the sample being tested. On the other hand, a false negative indicates a negative result, even though there is an antigen in the sample being examined.

A false negative result can discourage patients from preventing the spread of the disease, while a false positive result can make patients worry about their health. Therefore, patients are advised not to conclude the results of the rapid test antigen as a diagnosis without confirmation from a doctor.

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