Rapid antigen tests for the layperson have been discussed for a long time.
This is now possible by changing a regulation.
But there is still one hurdle.
Rapid antigen tests give a quick result - but are not as reliable as the professional PCR tests.
Nevertheless, they could help fight the pandemic.
Antigen tests for non-professional use are now to be launched.
Berlin - Corona rapid tests for at home.
Test yourself for SARS-CoV-2 shortly before visiting grandma and grandpa?
Maybe even accelerate the end of the pandemic?
Sounds good, but so far only in theory.
Corona rapid tests for lay people have been allowed for home use since February 3.
The only thing that customers have not been able to buy so far.
Because: So far, no corona antigen tests have been approved for laypeople.
This is reported, among other things, by the
Deutsche Apotheker-Zeitung (DAZ)
.
The ability to test yourself for the virus quickly and independently was a targeted alternative to the medical tests at the beginning of the pandemic.
This has now been made possible by a change in the Medical Devices Dispensing Ordinance (MPAV).
The topic has thus clearly picked up speed.
Corona antigen rapid tests for home use: Handling should be easier for the layperson
Appendix three of the dispensing ordinance now states: "In-vitro diagnostics for personal use, which are intended for direct detection of the pathogen of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus".
The legal window for the domestic use of corona rapid tests.
So far, only medically trained personnel have been allowed to perform such tests.
Now only the manufacturers need a corresponding permit, writes the
DAZ
.
So when they have them, they can sell their tests to medical laypeople.
These antigen tests are not as reliable as the PCR tests and are only a snapshot.
But in contrast to the PCR tests, they have one major advantage: They are fast.
And you don't need a laboratory.
The tests that are now to come on the market should be easy to use for untrained users.
A throat and nose swab had to be taken beforehand for the rapid antigen test.
This can be uncomfortable, but above all it is not easy for a layperson to imitate.
Therefore, the manufacturers now want to rely on simpler methods.
Rapid tests: The manufacturers are still waiting for the certificate - this can take time or it can be quick
These are, for example, tests that work by taking a smear in the front nasal cavity or by releasing saliva, according to the
Deutsche Apotheker-Zeitung
.
But first it must be determined which of these tests are easy for the medical layperson to perform.
Christina Drosten already said in his NDR podcast: "Antigen tests are an important new tool in the fight against the pandemic and you have to join forces on the political, regulatory and scientific level to get them into use."
Thomas Preis, the North Rhine Pharmacists' Association,
told the
Rheinische Post
that even laypeople had good results in studies when using the rapid antigen test.
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