Express tests
Rapid tests are medical devices that allow you to quickly diagnose diseases or other conditions of the body at home. Rapid tests determine the presence or absence of certain substances in the biological material under study (blood, urine, saliva) within a period of a few seconds to a few minutes [4,5].
Manufacturers of modern rapid testing systems claim that the accuracy of the results reaches 92-99%. Nevertheless, rapid tests do not replace laboratory tests. They are an alternative in cases when there are alarming symptoms, but there is no opportunity to immediately consult a doctor. Also, rapid tests are convenient to use for self-monitoring in the process of prescribed treatment.
Advantages of rapid tests:
- Quick receipt of results.
- Availability. Tests can be bought at the nearest pharmacy.
- Simplicity. No special skills are required for testing. It is enough to carefully study the instructions.
How express tests work
Modern rapid tests are filtered paper strips, panels, test cassettes that contain chemical reagents. Tests can be qualitative, i.e., to determine the presence or absence of certain components in a biological substance, and semi-quantitative, which can approximately estimate the concentration of components.
The majority of rapid tests are based on the immunochromatographic assay method. This method is based on the interaction between an antibody and an antigen in biological material (blood, saliva, urine). The fluid under study moves along the test strip and comes into contact with its antibodies. If there is a specific antigen in the fluid (e.g. hormone, infection marker), it binds to the antibody, causing the test area to stain. The free antibody moves on, interacts with secondary antibodies in the control zone, where a second colored band appears. The control zone is necessary to ensure that the test reagents are active.
Recommendations on the use of express tests.
Be sure to study the instructions: when is the best time to conduct the test, after what period of time to evaluate the result, how to properly prepare for the collection of biological material.
Check the expiration date. If the test is expired, its sensitivity decreases, and the results may be unreliable.
Before use, check the integrity of the packaging.
Remember, the result of a rapid test is not a diagnosis, you should not self-medicate. It is necessary to consult a doctor with further examination.
