Rapid test COVID-19 is done to find out whether a person has been or is currently infected with the Corona virus or not. If the result is negative, there is a possibility that you are not infected with this virus. So, what if the results of the COVID-19 rapid test are positive?
If you need a COVID-19 test, click on the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
Rapid test or serological test is an examination carried out by taking a blood sample from the tip of a finger. After that, the blood sample will be dripped onto a rapid test kit to find out whether the blood contains antibodies that indicate the person is currently or has been infected with a virus or not.
Some diseases that require this type of examination are dengue fever, Zika virus, hepatitis B, chikungunya, and COVID-19.
This is the explanation of the positive COVID-19 rapid test
Rapid tests cannot be used to detect the presence of the Corona virus or SARS-CoV-2 in your body. Therefore, this examination cannot be used as a benchmark for diagnosing COVID-19.
The COVID-19 rapid test is carried out to detect whether in the blood there are IgM and IgG antibodies that are tasked with fighting the Corona virus or not. Both of these antibodies are produced naturally by the body when a person has been exposed to the Corona virus.
Through this examination there will be two possible results, namely positive (reactive) and negative (non-reactive). If your rapid test results are positive or reactive, there are 4 possibilities that are happening:
- You are experiencing the SARS-CoV-2 infection that causes COVID-19 and your immune system is fighting it.
- You've been infected with SARS-CoV-2 for a long time and your immune system is still fighting it off.
- You have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, but your immune system has managed to fight it off.
- You are infected with another virus that is in the Corona virus family, such as the HKU1 coronavirus which commonly causes upper respiratory tract infections.
However, these are only possibilities and cannot be used as a basis for a diagnosis. For a more accurate examination, further examination using the swab method and PCR test is needed.
To find a place to do a Rapid Test or PCR near your home, click here.
What Next if the Rapid Test Results are Positive?
If your rapid test shows a positive result, further treatment depends on the presence or absence of symptoms. Here are the details:
The results of the rapid test are positive and asymptomatic
If the rapid test results are positive but have no symptoms or only have mild symptoms, you will be advised to self-isolate. If there has been a history of close contact with a positive patient for COVID-19, you are declared an asymptomatic person (OTG). Furthermore, PCR examinations will be carried out twice for 2 consecutive days for confirmation.
Meanwhile, if you have no contact with a COVID-19 case, you are still advised to self-isolate. However, you don't need a PCR test.
While at home, you still have to apply physical distancing and not having contact with other healthy family members, especially if you do have a history of close contact with a COVID-19 positive patient.
If during self-isolation there are symptoms of respiratory system disorders that point to COVID-19, contact the nearest health service or COVID-19 hotline at 119 Ext. 9 for further directions.
The results of the rapid test are positive and symptomatic
If the rapid test result is positive and the patient has complaints such as fever 380 C, cough, or shortness of breath, you will be referred to a COVID-19 referral hospital. There, you will perform a PCR test and will be treated according to the results. Here are the possibilities that could happen:
1. Positive PCR test
If the PCR test result is positive, then the diagnosis of COVID-19 can be made. Patients who have mild symptoms and have no co-morbidities, such as diabetes or hypertension, may be able to self-isolate and self-medicate at home. However, this must be based on the doctor's decision.
Meanwhile, patients with comorbidities and severe symptoms will be hospitalized, specifically in a special isolation room for COVID-19 patients, and receive intensive care to relieve symptoms and increase endurance.
2. PCR test negative
If the PCR test results state that the patient is negative for SARS-CoV-2 or the virus that causes COVID-19, the patient will still be treated as a patient with respiratory disorders. If the symptoms experienced are severe enough and the doctor assesses the patient needs to be hospitalized, the patient will be treated at the hospital, but separated from the COVID-19 patient.
A rapid test cannot confirm whether there is a Corona virus infection in your body. So, regardless of the results of the rapid test, everyone still has to take precautions to protect themselves and those around them from this virus.
If at any time you experience symptoms of the Corona virus, such as cough, fever, hoarseness, and shortness of breath that get worse, immediately contact a health care facility or COVID-19 hotline for further instructions.
Don't hesitate to chat directly with the doctor on the ALODOKTER application if you still have questions regarding COVID-19, both regarding symptoms, preventive measures, and examinations. You can also make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital through this application.