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Covid-19 Update: IATF nods rapid antigen test use for domestic travelers

Aniela Bautista
Sep 12, 2020
1 min read

Updated: Sep 28, 2020

SWABBED. An Antigen test involves the checking of antigens in the body of a human to detect any possible signs of corona within their body. © Arias

Last September 18, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases approved the use of antigen tests as a substitute for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.

According to IATF resolution number 72, the said test will be used in testing domestic travelers that are travelling from high risk to low risk places.

Department of Health Undersecretary, Maria Rosario Vergeire, said in a public briefing last September 19 that before using the rapid antigen tests, there first will be a pilot study in one city.

“Magkakaroon po tayo ng pilot study dito po sa isang city sa ating bansa para makita po nating kung talagang puwede ho nating gamitin itong antigen test,” Vergeire said.

Vergeire added that the antigen test is more recommended than the rapid antibody test because if someone will test positive in the antigen test, it is more likely for that person to be positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Before the antigen test will be used, it first has to show at least 80% sensitivity and 97% specificity.

Despite the rapid antigen test being more recommended and accurate than the rapid antibody test, PCR tests remain as the standard in COVID-19 testing.