Rapid Antigen Test vs Rapid Antibody Test: What distinguishes them? How can you complete a home test kit in just 30 minutes?

Rapid Antigen Test vs Rapid Antibody Test

In light of the escalating Covid-19 situation in Thailand, news quickly emerged about the Ministry of Public Health's decision to permit hospitals to utilize Rapid Antigen Tests for screening patients and those at risk waiting for treatment. Shortly after, the Ministry also approved Antigen Test Kits (ATK), enabling Thai citizens to purchase and use these kits at home. This move likely responds to the overwhelming number of cases in hospitals, which has caused significant delays in identifying Covid-19 positive individuals, highlighting the urgent need to quickly locate and isolate infected patients.

Thailand currently offers three types of Covid-19 tests: Real-Time PCR Test, Antigen Test, and Antibody Test. Some countries may also provide an additional type, the ECLIA (Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay) Test. Each test type has its unique advantages, benefits, and levels of accuracy. Discover more about which tests suit your needs here. While the Ministry has approved the Antigen Test Kit, you may still have questions regarding what information they provide, as well as the details about the Antibody Test Kit, which is not yet approved. Let’s compare both test kits and learn the correct usage for each.

Rapid Antigen Test

The Rapid Antigen Test detects the presence of the virus using a nasal swab to identify protein strands of the Coronavirus. It serves as a “quick screening” method prior to a comprehensive lab test or RT-PCR Test, indicating whether active viruses are present in your body. To utilize the Antigen Test Kit effectively, it's essential to understand how to use the kit and carefully follow the instructions on the packaging. Additionally, it's important to know how to safely dispose of the kit after use to prevent spreading the virus to others. Discover how to collect a nasal sample with the Antigen Test Kit (ATK) here:

Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test Procedure

Instructions for using the Antigen Test Kit:

Thoroughly wash your hands.

Prepare the vial containing the lysis buffer that comes with the kit.

Gently remove the swab stick and insert it into your nostril to the recommended depth indicated on the swab. Rotate it 3-4 times and allow it to remain there for about 3 seconds.

Insert the swab stick containing the sample into the vial with the lysis buffer. Rotate the stick in the vial 5 times.

Withdraw some liquid from the vial and dispense 3-4 drops onto the designated spot of the test kit.

Allow 30 minutes to pass.

Review the results: a single line indicates no virus detected (NEGATIVE), while two lines indicate the presence of the virus (POSITIVE).

Should the result be positive, it's essential to confirm the infection with an RT-PCR Test.

Important note: You should use the test kit as soon as you experience Covid-19 symptoms. If symptoms have persisted for more than five days, the kit may not accurately detect the virus in your body.

Starting from July 6th, 2021, Thai citizens can purchase Rapid Antigen Test Kits at pharmacies and various online retailers. Make sure to choose kits that have received FDA approval from the Ministry.

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Rapid Antibody Test

The Rapid Antibody Test detects antibodies against Covid-19 by analyzing blood samples collected from the fingertip. While many countries permit the sale of Antibody Test Kits in stores, Thailand has yet to approve these kits due to the vaccination rollout schedule and the current timeline for immunity development among the vaccinated population not being suitable for this type of test.

The Rapid Antibody Test can identify two types of antibodies in the body:

Immunoglobulin M (IgM) - Present in blood and lymph, IgM is the first antibody that the body generates to combat the virus during the early stages of infection. It acts as the primary line of defense against active infections before the body produces additional antibodies.Immunoglobulin G (IgG) - This is the most prevalent antibody in the body, found in blood and various bodily fluids. IgG takes time to develop in the human body following an infection or vaccination.

Learn how to collect a blood sample for research using the Antibody Test Kit here:

Instructions for using the Antibody Test Kit:

Thoroughly wash your hands.

Disinfect the finger from which you'll be taking the blood sample with alcohol.

Gently pinch the fingertip with the tool and wait for a drop of blood to form.

Utilize the tool to collect blood droplets from the fingertip and place 2-3 drops onto the test kit. Then, add 2-3 drops of the test solution to mix with the blood.

Allow 15-30 minutes for the test to process.

Review the results. A single line indicates no antibodies are present, while two or more lines indicate the presence of antibodies (IgM, IgG, or both).

Important note: The optimal time to perform the Antibody Test is approximately 7 days or more after exposure to a risk or an infected individual, as this is when your body begins to generate antibodies to combat the virus. It’s unlikely that your body will have produced antibodies within the first 7 days of infection or exposure.

As previously stated, Thailand has yet to authorize the use of Antibody Test Kits for personal testing. If you wish to check for Covid-19 antibodies, you must visit a hospital or a laboratory that offers comprehensive testing services.

Discover Antibody Tests through Mytour Xperience Health Service.

In addition to the widely discussed Antibody Test, another variant called the ECLIA (Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay) is available in some countries. This test identifies the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies in individuals. Conducted in a lab with specialized equipment, the ECLIA Test typically takes about 10-15 minutes and delivers results within 1-2 days.

When compared to the Rapid Antibody Test, the ECLIA Test is generally less sensitive in detecting antibodies, identifying fewer antibodies while usually costing about the same. Unlike the RT-PCR Test or the Rapid Antibody Test, the ECLIA Test is not suitable for travel purposes. Remember that for testing the Covid-19 virus, the RT-PCR Test remains the most reliable option for accurate results.

What should you do if you’re traveling from high-risk (dark-red) provinces?

Thailand is currently under lockdown in 13 provinces, including Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Narathiwat, Pathum Thani, Pattani, Ayutthaya, Yala, Songkhla, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon. Here’s what you need to prepare or obtain if you must travel between or from dark-red and red provinces.

Register at https://covid-19.in.th/.Obtain a travel authorization document from your local authorities, such as the sub-district headman or district officer.Keep the QR Code from the website on hand. This QR Code will be essential for crossing the borders of any of the 13 provinces.

References:

COVID-19 Tests: Which One Should I Choose? by Mytour Editorial TeamThe Ministry of Public Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Bangkok Business News COVID-19 Public Health Service

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