What is the difference between ANTIGEN and ANTIBODY COVID test kits?

    During the spread of the COVID-19 virus. continuously In addition to this, we must always take care of and protect ourselves from various risks, both from activities. living in the community Or even having to travel to different places. Testing for the COVID-19 virus. It is something that we should hurry and do. If we are considered to be a high risk person Or if there is a suspicion that we may be infected but the body does not show clear symptoms.

    Rapid Test for COVID-19 virus testing has two types of test kits: Antigen and Antibody COVID test kits, which have different testing purposes. But how are they different? BDMS Wellness Clinic has some advice for you.

Antigen Test Kit​

• Use to swab secretions from the nose, throat and cheeks ​
• Check for components of germs ​
• Use in cases of suspected infection. If the result is positive, it must be confirmed with another RT-PCR test.
• FDA allows sale only to authorized pharmacies, clinics, or medical facilities.

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Antibody Test Kit​

• Use the method of drawing blood from the fingertip or the inside of the arm.
• Check for immunity or immunity to germs.
• Not recommended for use in diagnosing disease. This is because immunity in the body may come from vaccines.
• For use only in medical facilities.

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However, if anyone begins to have severe symptoms Should be checked using the RT-PCR method. But if anyone does not have symptoms yet But I suspect that I came into contact with a high-risk group. You can use a self-test kit for preliminary screening first.

Source:

1. FDA Thai. Things to know about Rapid Test. [Internet]. [Accessed on 17 July 2021]. Accessible from: https://www.facebook.com/FDAThai