Jens Spahn had promised them on March 1st: Corona self-tests for everyone.
The tests will come later, but we'll explain how they work right now.
Berlin - Health Minister Jens Spahn announced them some time ago and expects a lot from them: Corona self-test.
The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) issued the first three special approvals for corona self-tests on Wednesday, February 24th.
Spahn wanted to put the new tests on sale in pharmacies, drug stores and supermarkets as early as March 1st.
But nothing will come of it.
There had been too many questions from the federal states, for example, how the tests could be dovetailed with further opening steps.
The Bundestag also has questions for the Minister of Health.
That is why it will not be decided until the next Corona summit on March 3 when they will be in stores.
“I would really have liked to have started more testing in the next week,” stressed Spahn.
Testing is an opportunity.
In the next few weeks, however, the Corona self-tests will definitely be available to everyone.
But how do they actually work?
Corona self-test: This is how the new rapid tests work
Unlike the PCR and the previous rapid tests, the new ones no longer have to be carried out by medically trained personnel.
During the approval by the BfArM, it was also checked whether laypersons could carry out the corona self-tests on their own.
If you follow the instructions, you shouldn't have any problems.
To do the test, all you have to do is take a swab from the front of your nose or throat.
Just like the previous rapid tests, it is an antigen test.
The test strip thus detects certain virus proteins and thus recognizes whether the test is positive or negative.
There are a few things to consider when using a corona self-test.
The following information is contained in the package inserts of previous antigen tests, but should also be relevant for the new products:
Read the entire manual carefully!
Find a clean work surface with enough space!
- Do not eat, drink or smoke in the area where the specimens or kits will be used.
Have any utensils you may need, such as a mirror or clock, ready!
Wash or disinfect your hands thoroughly before and after the test!
Exhale deeply and swab according to the instructions
Corona self-test: an important tool in combating pandemics
Overall, however, rapid tests are less reliable than the PCR test, which is still considered the "gold standard".
Doctors warn of incorrect negative results, which could lull people into a false sense of security.
In fact, a negative test does not rule out infection, especially if the viral load is low in the early or late phase of the corona infection.
Viruses could still be passed on this way.
The Robert Koch Institute considers rapid antigen tests only to be a supplement because of the possible inaccuracies.
However, a study by the Charité and Heidelberg University Hospital showed that a self-test does not necessarily give a worse result than a professional smear.
However, the self-tests can play their part on the way back to normal.
The federal and state governments want to use the tests primarily in schools and daycare centers.
This would allow more children to participate in regular operations again.
In Austria school children have been tested in this way for several weeks.
Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier (CDU) can also imagine a job in the catering industry.
Tests could also be carried out before events or family celebrations.
It was originally planned to offer the tests for free, but that is now off the table.
In the case of schools, however, the federal government and the states will probably decide on subsidies.
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List of rubric lists: © Kay Nietfeld / dpa
