The district government of Cologne has launched a recall of two types of corona rapid tests that were illegally marketed across Germany.
Cologne -
Corona rapid tests
are a comparatively new tool in the fight against the
coronavirus pandemic
, which
is still spreading
and which is primarily
intended to prevent
sources of infection
in old people's and nursing homes.
In contrast to a conventional
PCR test
*
, which can take days for the results to arrive from the laboratory, a
rapid test
provides information about a possible infection in a few minutes.
Corona rapid tests recalled: Coming into trade illegally
Such
rapid tests
are therefore used primarily for visitors from nursing homes to an outbreak within this almost exclusively of
high-risk patients
to prevent residential facilities.
Although rapid
tests
are less reliable than full-fledged
PCR tests
*
, they can still make an important contribution to containing the
pandemic
.
However, this contribution can only be made if the tests are used correctly and for this reason the
Cologne
District
Government has ordered the
recall
*
of two such
rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen
tests
as an urgent safety measure
.
The products were probably sold illegally by a company in Frechen to petrol stations, supermarkets or veterinary practices, as reported by the portal
porduktwarnung.eu
.
Video: Top virologist warns - do not carry out rapid corona tests yourself
Recall of corona rapid tests: increased risk of infection over Christmas
There, the
tests
are still sold directly from the packaging to private individuals.
The affected products that are being recalled * are therefore "Covid-19 Ag Test" from the manufacturer nal von minden GmbH and "blnk Novel
Coronavirus
(SARS-CoV-2) Antigen Rapid Test Cassette (Swab)" from the manufacturer Hangzhou Realy Tech Co., Ltd.
⚠️Warning: Illegal sale of corona # rapid tests at gas stations and supermarkets.
The supposed security through false negative tests in the case of improper use could lead to an increased incidence of infection.
All information ▶ ️ https://t.co/bHhSBWs23F pic.twitter.com/fRpVIXSZgY
- District government Cologne (@BezRegKoeln) December 22, 2020
As the district government announced, the
tests are
completely safe and harmless if they are used by trained personnel.
Especially over the holidays *, the
tests
that incorrectly show a negative result due to being carried out by laypersons
could
lead to an increased
risk of infection
.
A potential
risk of injury
if used incorrectly cannot be ruled out.
Corona rapid tests recalled: criminal police searches company buildings
During a search of the business premises of the company that had
illegally
circulated
the
rapid tests
, the criminal police were able to secure a list of customers, among other things.
Of the 5700 customers throughout Germany who had received
rapid corona tests
, over 4000 customers should not have received them.
(fd) * merkur.de is part of the Ippen-Digital-Zentralredaktion
Survey: How do you experience the corona pandemic?
How are your well-being, your social contacts, your work situation changing?
In a
large-scale study
, the non-profit research institute ISDC wants to find out what the pandemic means for us socially, psychologically and economically.
You, dear readers, can take part in this survey - and win in the process: The ISDC is giving away
ten shopping
vouchers
worth 50 euros each
among all those taking part in December
.
The survey takes about 15 minutes.
All data will be treated confidentially.
After completing the study, we will report on the results from the various districts and counties.
Participation is only possible online under the link: www.lifewithcorona.org/mm-tz
The International Security and Development Center (ISDC) in Berlin has been dealing with the effects of crises in different countries and regions on the population for years.
The institute conducts research in developing countries, but also investigates the consequences of the September 11th terrorism.
The scientists are now particularly interested in the effects that different life situations, for example in the big city or in the country, have on people's handling of the pandemic.
Please help, dear readers, to find out more about it!
