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What are rapid coronavirus tests?
New rapid antigen tests deliver results in approximately 15 to 30 minutes and eliminate the need to send swab samples to an offsite laboratory. They should complement other COVID tests carried out in the country by providing a readily available means of testing people entering public spaces or events where the Green Pass applies. This includes covered rooms where more than 100 people are present.
In the absence of rapid testing at these sites, members of the public would be required to show proof of vaccination, recovery from the coronavirus, or a negative PCR test for the coronavirus performed no more than 72 hours before the event.
How reliable are rapid tests?
The rapid tests are considered less sensitive than the PCR swab test, but still reliable enough to satisfy the Israeli Ministry of Health to allow its use in places where the Green Pass applies. The results of a rapid test are considered valid for 24 hours.
Reliability is measured by the sensitivity and specificity of a test, a measure of false negative and false positive results. Sensitivity refers to the ability to correctly identify an infected patient. Specificity is expressed as the percentage of uninfected patients for whom the test correctly gives a negative result.
Data from the Israeli Ministry of Health indicates that the Sofia rapid test is 85-96.7% accurate in sensitivity (correctly identifying infected patients) and 100% reliable in specificity (identifying those who are not infected). So far, rapid tests from five companies have been approved for use in Israel.
Where can rapid tests be performed?
In Israel, six companies have been approved by the health ministry to perform rapid tests. Actual sampling is carried out by 45 separate entities across the country and is to be expanded to include sites operated by the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command. Many public places operating under Green Pass restrictions will provide rapid on-site testing.
How is the test carried out?
In Israel, the test is carried out using a swab as with PCR tests.
Does the rapid test have the same status as the PCR test?
No. The rapid tests are only valid for 24 hours and at this point limited to use in public places only.
Are they valid for traveling abroad?
Not at this point, because when traveling abroad, the test must meet the standards set by the government of the travel destination.
How should people who test positive with a rapid test behave?
They must immediately go into isolation and then undergo a regular COVID PCR test within 48 hours of the rapid test. If the PCR test comes back negative, they are free to come out of isolation.
Who pays the cost of rapid tests?
Each individual must pay. In the future, the Ministry of Health may cover the cost of rapid screening of children under 12 (who are usually not yet eligible for vaccination), but no final decision has been made. socket.
Do children under 12 need to be tested to enter Green Pass sites?
Yes. They have to pass either a rapid test or a PCR test.
How much does the rapid test cost?
It costs 69 shekels ($ 21), but the price is expected to drop due to competition between different vendors in Israel.
What about home test kits?
In addition to rapid tests, pharmacies in Israel have started selling home test kits for COVID. Although the kits have been approved by the Department of Health for home use, they are not accepted by government authorities as proof of a positive or negative result. Home test kits have a relatively high level of accuracy but may not detect infection in patients with a low viral load.
>> Click here to learn more about home test kits
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