Rapid antigen tests are not always 100 percent reliable. You should be skeptical if the test is negative despite typical corona symptoms:
The number of corona cases in Germany is stagnating, but remains at a high level. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Berlin, there are currently (as of March 28) 20,323,779 confirmed cases – that’s 67,501 more than the day before. At 1,700.6, the 7-day incidence is still above the mark of 1,500 new infections within seven days and per 100,000 inhabitants. Experts suspect that the number of unreported cases is about twice as large because:
| Illness | COVID-19 |
| pathogen | SARS-CoV-2 |
| Origin | China |
| Mutation | Omikron (B.1.1.529) |
| proven for the first time | South Africa |
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Corona symptoms and still negative quick test – one possible reason
Only the positive PCR tests are recorded by the RKI. So anyone who does not confirm their positive rapid test using PCR is not included in the statistics. In addition, there are the asymptomatic cases, which are often not recognized, or at least not recognized immediately. But what can actually happen is that people with typical corona symptoms test negative for Covid-19 during the incubation period.
It can be said that a rapid antigen test is negative even though the person concerned has corona symptoms WDR have several reasons. A possible reason for this is a complete vaccination protection or a recovery from Covid-19, because: The body fights the corona virus faster in people who have recovered or who have just been vaccinated than in those who have not been vaccinated. The corona antibodies that are caused by recovery or vaccination are responsible for this.
Negative quick test and still corona symptoms: How to react correctly
As a result, the coronavirus multiplies more slowly in people with antibodies, i.e. the viral load in the body is also lower, at least at the beginning of an infection. A vaccinated or recovered person can therefore already be infected and show symptoms, although the rapid test is negative. Self-test or quick test only work when a certain viral load can be detected in the nose or throat.
An antigen test cannot always prove without a doubt whether you are infected or not. The good news is that if the test is negative, the viral load is low and a person is rarely contagious. However, all corona tests are always just a snapshot – the infection status can change within a few hours. This is another reason why experts recommend testing yourself regularly if you have symptoms – at least once a day.
Typical corona symptoms:
The typical corona symptoms of vaccinated and unvaccinated people usually only differ in their intensity and frequency. In many cases, those affected are plagued by a cough, runny nose, headache, sore throat and body aches, fever or a general feeling of weakness. Those who have been vaccinated or have recovered often feel the symptoms only slightly or not at all. In certain cases – for example before a family reunion – a rapid test can also be useful for asymptomatic people.
Source: Federal Center for Health Education (BfGA)
Is omicron the problem? Researchers examined several rapid antigen tests
sea WDR it is often the case at Omikron in particular that quick tests give false positives or false negatives. The reason is that the tests were developed when alpha and delta were still the dominant variants. According to a study by the Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI), most rapid antigen tests can also detect omicrons, but less precisely than alpha or delta. A new study comes to a surprising conclusion.
WDRAccording to reports, researchers at the University of Munich also examined the effect of several commercially available rapid antigen tests on the Delta and Omicron corona variants. Unlike the experts from the PEI, however, the Munich researchers came to the conclusion that eight of the tests examined were less able to detect an omicron infection than Delta.
Correctly interpreting and treating corona symptoms – note important information
HEIDELBERG24 reports in a separate article how well the corona self-tests from Aldi, Lidl and Co. performed in the study. Regardless of whether a test is positive or not, those affected do not have to endure the symptoms. Mild to moderate corona symptoms can be treated with medication that is available in pharmacies without a prescription. If the symptoms worsen, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Many practices also offer telephone consultation hours especially for patients with corona symptoms and, if necessary, refer those affected to a corona practice. Incidentally, a doctor can also order a PCR test if there is no positive test. According to the current test regulation, typical corona symptoms or contact with an infected person are sufficient grounds for a PCR test.
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