2021-12-27 02:02:09

Best Detection Time for COVID Self-test Kit: 3 to 5 Days After the Last Contact

Copyright & credited by Sin Chew Daily
https://www.sinchew.com.my/20210828/covid自检试剂盒最佳检测时间：最后接触的3～5天/

Gao Guicai, an infectious disease consultant at Negeri Sembilan Seremban Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, said there are currently three types of COVID-19 swab test in China, namely RT-PCR and RTK-Antigen Test, as well as the latest government updates. In addition, approved home Covid self-test kit.
 
He explained that RT-PCR is currently the most accurate test. The report is usually released within 24 to 48 hours, and the charge is 200-300 ringgit. The RTK-Antigen Test can know the result within 15 to 30 minutes. The cost is only one-third of the PCR test price, but the accuracy is not as good as PCR. Moreover, if the RTK test is positive, another PCR test is required to confirm whether confirmed.
 
"The latest government-approved COVID self-test kit, which uses saliva to test, is an antigen test that allows people to do the test at home. IF the reagent is positive, it will be confirmed by another PCR test. This kind of kit is one. The box is RM 30 to RM 40. It is a single-use reagent and cannot be reused."
 
Professor Gao Guicai, who is also the head of the Department of Medicine at the International Medical University (IMU), said: "The current outbreak in Malaysia is severe, and many community infections have broken out. Therefore, high-accuracy saliva testing is very effective and can more accurately identify people infected in the community."
 
He reminded that the current tests are developed to detect one virus and cannot detect other viruses. However, a comprehensive examination can detect COVID-19 and influenza simultaneously because the symptoms of the two viruses are very similar.
 
Gao Guicai advises the public that when they receive a reminder that the MySejahtera App has contacted the confirmed person, they do not need to panic and do the test immediately and may wish to self-check the contact process. Tale social contact and close contact as examples. The former may be that you and the confirmed person are in the same space at a specific time; while close contact, according to the World Health Organization's definition, two people have less than one person. Close contact of meters and more than 15 minutes of getting along.
 
Do the test too early; the result may be inaccurate 

"However, as the Delta variant virus is now highly contagious, the WHO may change the definition of close contact. However, no matter what type of contact, the testing time is significant and will also affect the test results."
 
Gao Guicai recommends that after receiving a notice of contact with a confirmed person, first determine when the last time you saw the confirmed person. If you need to be tested, the best time is 5 days before and after the contact. For example, the last contact was two days ago and three days later. This is a good guide and when the virus is most likely to be detected.
 
"If a friend informs you that he was diagnosed on Monday, and today is already Thursday, you have to remember for yourself whether I had close contact with this friend from last Saturday to Wednesday because this is the most likely to be infected by the confirmed person."
 
He reminded that if the test is done too early or too soon, the result may be inaccurate because there are not many viruses in the body, and the result is false.
 
Generally speaking, if a diagnosed person has symptoms, they will appear within 3 to 5 days. However, most of the confirmed cases are asymptomatic. It also depends on how many viruses we have infected and our immune system, so it is difficult to conclude. Symptoms appear as long as a person is infected.
 
Regarding how to use the COVID-19 self-inspection kit for testing at home, Gao Guicai said that in addition to those who have been in close contact with the confirmed person, self-examination is required. People with suspected COVID-19 symptoms are also the time for self-examination, and the test results will be better, precise. People can buy a self-check kit at any pharmacy containing detailed instructions for use. You can also scan the QR code on the box, follow the video to do the test, and watch it repeatedly until you know how to master it.
 
Take precautions and seal it after use before throwing it away

"If you don't have the confidence to do it well and need the help of your family, you must take the precautions. First, prepare a space with no people or pets and prepare half an hour in advance, including self-check kits, timers, and gloves. At the same time, avoid using mouthwash and smoking within half an hour to avoid affecting the test results. If family members are required to assist, family members must wear protective clothing, such as masks, face masks, and gloves, just in case."
 
Timekeeping is a crucial step. After completing the steps according to the instructions, you must wait at least 15 minutes and no more than 20 minutes before the display will show the result.
 
"After use, put all the utensils in the bag and seal them, handle them properly. Otherwise, if you are infected, other people may be infected if they contact it. Therefore, as a responsible citizen, you must handle it properly."
 
He emphasized that false negatives may appear because of the wrong method in the self-test, the test is done too early, or the saliva is insufficient. In contrast, a false positive may result in a positive result due to cross-reactions or autoimmune system problems. Therefore, if you suspect or have symptoms, you need to do standard tests (RT-PCR or RTK-Antigen).
 
Two isolation situations: isolation and quarantine

With the approval of the self-check kit, some companies require employees to do a weekly test to ensure their safety.
 
Asked whether some people who cannot work at home need frequent self-checks to prevent the virus from being brought home, Gao Guicai said: "It is true that people who cannot work at home are worried about bringing the virus home. But I don't do it often. Self-examination, because there are no symptoms, testing may not be beneficial, so I think it's more accurate to do it when symptoms occur. But, of course, it is okay if someone wants to do it regularly."
 
"Home isolation must meet two factors, the home environment and the caregiver. According to the guidelines, the home isolation environment must be a separate space, preferably including a separate bathroom. If not, it must be disinfected after each use. Wear a mask all day long, keep a distance from your family or caregivers. In addition, the isolated space needs to be ventilated. Body temperature and blood oxygen concentration are measured twice a day, so you must have a thermometer and oximeter.
 
"At the same time, we must also be prepared, including transportation to the hospital, in case of emergency. And whether there are family members who can take care of themselves 24 hours a day, and all family members must wear protective clothing, if they are children or the elderly who belong to the high-risk group or patients with chronic diseases are not suitable as caregivers.
 
Any typical virus infection will have "post symptoms"

He said that many people continue to have COVID-19 symptoms after being diagnosed and cured, but this is not common because no typical virus infection will also have such "post symptom".
 
"I remember the second time I was infected with dengue fever. I felt exhausted for two weeks after recovery. It was tough to walk, and the symptoms were all-over pain. So if it is a coronary disease patient who wants to be sure, maybe an antibody test might help."
 
Although the Lamda variant virus has not been detected in China, it is only a matter of time. However, scientists do not know much about Lamda, so it is difficult to determine its lethality. However, some countries have begun to add boosters to specific groups, such as patients with chronic diseases, people with weak immune systems or those who have undergone organ transplants.
 
Finally, Gao Guicai's advice to everyone is:

• It must be based on SOP. If self-6es6 is required, is it necessary? Can you be sure to do it right? The used detection tools must be appropriately disposed of.
• If you doubt the test results, consult a doctor immediately. Much online application software (app) platforms can be used, such as Doc2us, which provides free consultation services.
• For those who are isolated at home, although it is difficult to endure for 10 days, this is a rest time for yourself and, more importantly, to protect other people, so please do a good job of isolation
   

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