Thread by @heysciencesam

I was very lucky to get to chat with virologist @angie_rasmussen about rapid antigen tests.

This short video (also on IG here: instagram.com/tv/CXmHYnkLVQ2…) shares 2 key things we want you to know before using them over the holidays ⤵️
[& 🧵with more info]

1⃣ Use the rapid antigen test RIGHT before you see others. The result is relevant for hours, not days.

2⃣ Rapid antigen tests are great, but not as good as PCR at detecting infections from the last 2-3 days. Factor in what you’ve done the last 3 days when interpreting -ve result

In the video, I show the example below to demonstrate how quickly viral load, and thus rapid test results, can change:

https://twitter.com/BQuilty/status/1471392764004913152?s=20

Another story of a negative rapid test the day before symptoms & a subsequent positive test from the wonderful @LaurenPelley (I hope you and Adam feel better soon!💕)

This doesn't diminish their utility as a screening tool, but shows the limitations.

https://twitter.com/LaurenPelley/status/1471911106029539332?s=20

When interpreting results from a rapid antigen test:

➕ = self-isolate, get a PCR if advised by your public health unit

➖ = less likely to be contagious at time of testing, but doesn’t rule out an infection

If you have symptoms or are a recent close contact of a known COVID-19 case, you may need to get a PCR test. Check with your local public health unit.

Here's what @TOPublicHealth says: toronto.ca/home/covid-19/…

A very handy infographic on rapid antigen tests with key information, by @SabiVM

https://twitter.com/SabiVM/status/1471590454525403155?s=20

Here is @LisaBarrettID demonstrating how to perform a rapid antigen test on yourself, using the Abbott Panbio kit:

Rapid antigen tests should be freely available & accessible to everyone. #FreeTheRats

🇺🇸: Free in some states, 2-packs at Walmart. Try pharmacies too.

🇨🇦: Free in some regions. You can also order from levitt-safety.com, rapidtestandtrace.ca, or canadastrongmasks.ca

As @angie_rasmussen told me, rapid antigen tests are one of several fantastic tools to enhance our protection against infection and transmission.

But none are an alternative to vaccination. Only vaccination protects you from severe disease if you end up infected anyway.

All tools to protect from #Covid19 should be freely accessible. Period.

But if they aren't, check out this fantastic thread by @SabiVM on where you can find N95s and rapid tests (many great suggestions in the replies too)

https://twitter.com/SabiVM/status/1470203052648980483?s=20

Whether or not you have access to rapid antigen tests, @edyong209 wrote a very helpful piece about risk assessment during joint Delta & Omicron waves ⤵️

https://twitter.com/heysciencesam/status/1471845347819495425?s=20

Ps if you want to download this video to share in your family WhatsApp group, you can do that from tik tok: vm.tiktok.com/ZM8cGyXeU