Health Minister Speranza announced this during yesterday’s conference with the Regions. We know that serological tests are already available in pharmacies in some regions, but this news is what we have been waiting for. In fact, at the moment the quick swab, which corresponds to the antigen test, can only be requested in private laboratories. With a significant cost. When it arrives at the pharmacy it is likely to be accessible at a controlled price.
How do quick tests work?
Rapid tests, or rapid swabs, are nasopharyngeal tests. Just like the molecular buffer. But instead of going for the virus RNA SARS-CoV2 detect the presence of its proteins. In practice what does this mean? Without going into the specifics of the technical explanations, it is enough to know that they are much faster.
In fact, 12 to 15 minutes are enough to get the result. A big difference compared to the result times of the molecular buffer of 4/5 hours. And they are 98% reliable. Certainly a much more effective tool than seriology. However, it is a screening test, so in case of positivity you must still do the molecular swab.
Quick swabs are coming to the pharmacy
The trial started in Trento and is starting in Piedmont. On 5 October the experimentation began in two municipal pharmacies in Trento. The goal is to quickly discover asymptomatic cases to stop the infections in time.
After the forerunner of Trento, from 22 October it also begins in Piedmont. 10,000 tests were delivered, compared to 1 million of those ordered. It starts on the weekend. You have to book at the pharmacy, but be careful, they are not paid by the health system. The cost is around 43 euros.
It is expected that in the coming days the list of regions where it will be possible to take the quick test will increase. Meanwhile, on Monday, there will be talk of including family doctors and the final agreement should also arrive.
In this way, the tracking of infections will be faster and more efficient. And it will be easier to distinguish Covid cases from seasonal flu cases.
In conclusion, the rapid tests are expected to be more accessible to all Italians. In the meantime remember to follow all government guidelines and always put the mask.
For information on when all the Regions will join and when the quick swabs will arrive at the pharmacy, stay tuned.
(We remind you to carefully read the warnings in this regard, which can be consulted who”)
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