Since Monday, June 28, the rapid antigenic tests marketed by PNL are having great success amongst the public. Available over the counter in all pharmacies across the island, these auto tests can be done by the customer at home. Simply by following all the instructions for use. Moreover, a small explanatory video has also been developed and can be viewed by scanning the QR code on the box of the rapid antigenic self-test kit. It is therefore not necessary to call a healthcare professional. Note that this self-test is designed to detect all the variants known till date of Covid-19. Reliable, fast and efficient, however, it does not replace the PCR test. And in case of a positive result to Covid-19, the current health protocol must be respected and the Ministry of Health, immediately informed.
Self-tests, also called “antigenic self-tests” (Atag), are used to screen asymptomatic infectious individuals. They are easy to use and provide a result in 15 to 30 minutes.
In France, for example, PCR tests made it possible, from the start of the epidemic, to rapidly identify symptomatic individuals and thus to break the transmission chains by isolating confirmed cases. The simplified access to tests, the rapid delivery of results and the acceptance of the logic of immediate isolation have favored the functioning of this strategy.
However, this so-called “diagnostic” approach does not allow for the detection of asymptomatic infected individuals (about 40% of infected persons), who are responsible for a large proportion of transmissions, particularly among those under 20 years of age since the appearance of the English variant. Only antigenic tests such as Atag can ensure this screening.
In France, self-tests have been used, first in schools, as soon as they reopen at the end of April/beginning of May, then in another place.
