Inspection rapid test COVID-19 is quite widespread to detect whether someone is infected with the Corona virus or not. In fact, so far the results of the COVID-19 rapid test that are negative or positive have not been able to become a benchmark for confirming the diagnosis of COVID-19.
The rapid test is done by taking a blood sample from the fingertip. Through the blood sample, the doctor will check and detect the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies for the Corona virus. Both of these antibodies are produced naturally by the body when exposed to the Corona virus.
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
In other words, a rapid test is carried out not to detect the presence of the Corona virus, but only to find out whether your body has formed antibodies to fight the virus or not.
However, so far, the COVID-19 rapid test has not been proven to be accurate in detecting whether a person has been infected with the Corona virus or not. Positive (reactive) or negative (non-reactive) results on the COVID-19 rapid test cannot be a benchmark for whether someone has been infected with the Corona virus.
So far, it is necessary to determine the correct diagnosis of COVID-19 based on a physical examination from a doctor along with other supporting examinations, such as a PCR test from a sputum sample or salivary PCR taken from saliva or saliva.
Understanding the Interpretation of Negative COVID-19 Rapid Test Results
The negative rapid test results show that there are no IgM and IgG antibodies in the body that fight the Corona virus. Results rapid test Negative COVID-19 can be interpreted as follows:
You have not been infected with the Corona virus
When the COVID-19 rapid test is carried out, the Corona virus may not exist or have not entered your body. However, you can be infected with the Corona virus later in the day after doing a rapid test. Therefore, you still need to take precautions to avoid contracting this virus.
Your body hasn't made antibodies yet
The Corona virus may have entered your body, but the body has not yet formed immunity or has not produced antibodies to fight the virus.
Usually, rapid test results are still negative within 1-2 weeks after someone is infected with the Corona virus. This is because the body needs at least 2-4 weeks to produce IgM and IgG antibodies for the Corona virus since being exposed to this virus. It is these IgM and IgG that are detected through the COVID-19 rapid test.
You need to do another test
The COVID-19 rapid test is indeed quite cheap, practical, and provides fast results to detect whether your body has formed immunity to fight the Corona virus. However, unfortunately up to now, the examination rapid test is still considered less than ideal for diagnosing COVID-19 disease.
Therefore, other examination methods, such as a physical examination by a doctor plus a PCR test and X-rays or CT scans of the lungs still need to be done to diagnose COVID-19.
What to Do if Your COVID-19 Rapid Test Result is Negative
If your COVID-19 rapid test result is negative, you are advised to take the following steps:
Self-isolate at home if there are symptoms
To break the chain of spreading the Corona virus to other people, you still need to undergo the self-isolation protocol at home if you experience COVID-19 symptoms. The trick is to:
- Not traveling outside the house and doing all activities at home, including work, study, and worship
- Do physical distancing by limiting physical contact and maintaining a distance of at least 1 meter from others.
- Wash hands with running water and soap for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with a minimum alcohol content of 60%
- Do not touch the face, especially the eyes, nose and mouth
- Cover your nose and mouth with a mask when you are close to other people
- Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow, forearm, or a tissue when you sneeze or cough, then throw the tissue in the trash immediately
- Clean frequently touched objects, such as doorknobs or WL, with disinfectant
- Do not share the use of toiletries and eating utensils with others
Do a rapid test again
You need to do a rapid test again with an interval of 7-10 days after the first rapid test which is negative. If you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, you may be advised by a doctor to undergo a PCR test and a CT scan of the lungs.
The rapid test does not confirm the diagnosis that you are infected or not infected with the Corona virus. Whatever the results, whether positive or negative, you still need to take precautions so you don't get infected and transmit the Corona virus to others.
If you have a fever, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath, especially if you have been in close contact with a person who is positive for the Corona virus or been in an endemic area (red zone) for COVID-19 in the last 14 days, immediately self-isolate and contact COVID-19 hotline at 119 Ext. 9 for further guidance.
You can also use the Corona Virus Infection Risk Check feature which is provided free of charge by ALODOKTER to find out how likely you are to have been infected with this virus.
If you have questions regarding Corona virus infection, both regarding symptoms, prevention measures, and COVID-19 checks, you can chat directly with the doctor in the ALODOKTER application. You can also make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital through this application.