Corona: will PCR tests soon be superfluous?

New turbo test delivers faster results

Created: 01/13/2022, 3:58 PM

By: Nail Akkoyun

Corona pandemic: NAT tests are equivalent to PCR tests, but the result is determined much faster.

(Symbol photo) © Julian Stratenschulte / dpa

NAT tests could soon replace PCR tests.

The test procedure detects corona infections in a few minutes and is recommended by the Paul Ehrlich Institute.

Esslingen / Kassel - The aid organization Johanniter-Unfallhilfe recently started offering another corona test procedure *.

The so-called NAT tests are available both in Bavaria and in parts of Baden-Württemberg.

They are considered to be equivalent to PCR tests, but deliver a reliable result after around 15 minutes instead of four to five hours or even a day.

As with other test methods, the coronavirus can also be detected directly in infected people with the NAT test using a nose or throat swab.

However, the much faster result is a clear advantage over the PCR test.

"This gives those tested much faster certainty and can act accordingly earlier," said Johanniter office manager Philipp Timmermann of the Esslinger Zeitung.

Corona pandemic: NAT tests, according to Paul Ehrlich Institute, the new "gold standard"

The Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI) now even calls the NAT tests the “gold standard” and “the most reliable Covid 19 tests currently available”.

Similar to the PCR tests, the test method is based on a laboratory procedure with nucleic acid.

The nasal or throat swab sample is evaluated using the latest molecular technology (NAT stands for nucleic acid amplification technology).

However, the virus variants are not evaluated.

According to the Coronavirus Test Ordinance, the result of a NAT test in Germany is valid for 48 hours and equates to a PCR test.

In addition, the SARS-CoV-2 tests are also recognized for the digital Covid certificate of the European Union (EU).

Corona: NAT tests are currently only offered in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg

So far, Johanniter has only offered the tests after booking an appointment in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

The alternative NAT test is free of charge for people who have been asked to perform a PCR test by the health department.

The same applies to everyone who has had contact with corona infected people and who have been quarantined.

Anyone who received a red warning display in the Corona warning app or a positive rapid test result also does not have to pay, reports the Esslinger Zeitung.

All other people have to pay 69 to 90 euros for a NAT test.

(Nail Akkoyun)

The PEI recently scrutinized several rapid corona tests *, the result is terrifying.