These rapid tests respond best to the corona mutation
to die Omicron variant prevailed in Germany. According to the Robert Koch Institute 73 percent of the reported corona cases from the first week of January can be traced back to the virus variant. But since Omikron mainly leads to symptom-free or mild courses, many infections are not even recognized. The Medical Association Marburg League has therefore recommended that a rapid test be carried out even if the symptoms are very mild. But which self-tests recognize the Omikron variant?
Basically it works Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI) assumes “that most of the antigen tests offered and positively evaluated in Germany can detect an omicron infection.” The institute will announce this at the end of December 2021. However, initial data from the USA show that some antigen rapid tests not that sensitive respond to omicron as on previous variants. The virologists Sandra Ciesek from the University Hospital Frankfurt and a research team led by Isabella Eckerle from Geneva have therefore tested which corona tests are well suited to detect an omicron infection.
Which rapid tests recognize the omicron variant? Virologists share their first findings
Ciesek shares her findings on Twitter. The doctor examined three different antigen tests: “Sars-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen-Schnelltest” from Roche, “Clinitest Rapid Covid-19 Antigen Self-Test” from Siemens and the “Flowflex Sars-CoV-2” from Acon Biotech. All show a positive result at Omikron too.
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The research team from the University of Geneva examined seven rapid tests and recorded how sensitive the tests were to different variants. The study has so far only been published as a so-called preprint, has not yet been verified by independent scientists. Nevertheless, the investigation provides a first approach, which Omikron’s corona tests demonstrate well.
The best cut of the rapid test Flowflex Sars-Cov-2 by Acon Biotech away. The sensitivity of the test was at Omikron even slightly higher than the Delta variant. Also studies of Staten’s Serum Institute in Denmark and the official government agency UK Health Security Agency could confirm that the test reliably indicates an omicron infection.
Self-tests for the Omicron variant: Paul-Ehrlich-Institut should create a positive list
According to the investigation, the “Flowflex” is followed by the following rapid corona tests:
- Abbott Panbio Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test
- “Covid-19 Saliva Antigen Rapid Test” by Tigsun
- “Standard Q Covid-19 Ag” by Roche
- “2019-nCoV Antigen Test” by Wondfo
Overall, however, showed that most tests tend to be worse responded to the omicron variant as an example to the delta variant. If confirmed in clinical studies, rapid antigen testing could be used in the early phase of omicron infection or in asymptomatic patients less reliable being. That is, important implications for public health policies, i.e. the researchers. In addition, it should be noted that not all of the tests examined in the study are readily available online or in retail stores.
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In order to offer citizens better orientation when choosing a corona test, the PEI create a corresponding positive list. These are intended to further expand the previous findings from research. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach stated that he had commissioned the institute to “a positive list calls for tests that are particularly suitable for omicron or detect omicron forh.” According to PEI should the list End of February to be introduced. You can find an up-to-date overview of all tested quick tests and self-tests you here.
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