The antigen tests are valid for the statistical calculation of coronavirus positivity cases (THE LIVEBLOG – THE SPECIAL). The Director of Prevention of the Ministry of Health, Gianni Rezza, signed the circular that recognizes the validity of the latest generation rapid tampons in the definition of the Covid-19 case, in the wake of European indications.
Traceability obligation for all tests
The circular ‘Update of the Covid-19 case definition and testing strategies’ provides for the obligation of traceability of all tests in regional information systems: “The results of rapid antigen tests or Rt-Pcr tests, even if carried out by laboratories , structures and private professionals accredited by the Regions – it says – must be included in the reference regional information system “. The circular recommends the use of rapid antigen tests with minimum performance requirements: 80% sensitivity and 97% specificity.
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Results comparable to those of molecular tests
deepening
New Dpcm, red zone risk regions with Covid parameter change
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These antigenic tests, it is noted, seem to show “superimposable” results to the Rt-Pcr assays (molecular tests), especially if used within the first week of infection, and on the basis of the data currently available they appear to be “a valid alternative to Rt -Pcr. If the patient’s clinical conditions show discrepancies with the latest generation test, the Rt-Pcr remains the gold standard for Covid-19 confirmation “. If the capacity of Rt-Pcr is limited or if it is necessary to adopt extremely rapid public health measures, the circular notes, “the use of rapid antigen tests in individuals with symptoms compatible with Covid-19 in the following contexts can be considered: high prevalence situations, to test possible / probable cases; outbreaks confirmed via Rt-Pcr, to test symptomatic contacts, facilitate early detection of further cases as part of contact tracing and outbreak investigation; closed communities (prisons, reception centers, etc.) and work environments to test symptomatic people when a case with Rt-Pcr has already been confirmed; in health and socio-welfare / social-health contexts, or for the triage of symptomatic patients / residents at the moment access to the facility or for early diagnosis in symptomatic operators “.
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