Depok, Beritasatu.com – Later word got out that the test swab antigen can be an alternative to detect Covid-19. Besides the price is cheaper than the test polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the results can also be obtained faster. The PCR test can only be known after 1-2 days, while the test swab antigen can be immediately known the result in 20 minutes.
However, epidemiologists from the Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia, Iwan Ariawan and Tri Yunis Miko Wahyono, agreed that the swab antigen cannot replace the superiority of the test swab PCR for the accuracy of detecting the corona virus.
Iwan Ariawan said, test swab the antigen does not directly detect the Covid-19 virus but only detects the antigen. While the test swab PCR detects the virus.
“This antigen will be slower to detect the virus. Its accuracy is still below PCR, but above rapid test antibody. This antigen is like a foreign object that enters the body, “said Iwan to Suara Pembaruan, Sunday (27/9/2020).
Iwan further said, the test fee swab antigen is indeed cheaper than swab PCR.
“But WHO does not recommend this. For screening and the diagnosis remains swab PCR is the best, “said Iwan.
In line with that, Tri Yunis Miko Wahyono said, test swab the antigen has its own level of sensitivity and accuracy is above rapid test antibody.
“But still yes, it cannot replace swab PCR, “said Miko, his nickname.
According to him, another method that is equivalent to the PCR test is the Molecular Rapid Test (TCM). This test has a high degree of accuracy like a test swab PCR.
“TCM was used to detect tuberculosis. Reagentmodified for viruses corona. So in-switch which was for the TB bacteria to become a virus for corona. The difficulty is because reagentit’s still a little, “said Miko.
Source: BeritaSatu.com
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