The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone, everywhere. The only way to control this pandemic is through testing and tracing. One of the most effective ways of testing is through Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs). These tests are inexpensive, easy to perform, and provide quick results. However, these tests should not be seen as a substitute for RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests, which are the gold standard for detecting COVID-19.

According to a recent statement by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), RATs should only be used as an adjunct to RT-PCR testing. The MoHFW has also noted that symptomatic cases tested negative by RATs are not followed up by RT-PCR testing in some large states. The aim is to ensure that no positive COVID-19 cases are missed.

The reason why RATs cannot be a substitute for RT-PCR tests is that they have a limited sensitivity. In simple terms, this means that these tests are less accurate than RT-PCR tests in detecting the virus. While RATs can detect the majority of symptomatic cases, they may miss some asymptomatic cases, leading to false negative results.

Satyajit Rath, a well-known immunologist, has described RATs as "spuriously comforting". He argues that these tests can give a false sense of security, leading to people letting their guard down and spreading the virus. In addition, there are also concerns about false negative results with these tests.

The Biotech Rapid COVID Test, which has been making headlines recently, is a RAT that has been authorized for emergency use in India. The test claims to provide results within 30 minutes and has a sensitivity of 98.1%. While this sounds promising, it is important to note that the sensitivity of the test can vary depending on the quality of the sample and the timing of the test.

Despite the limitations of RATs, they have an important role to play in the fight against COVID-19. These tests are particularly useful in settings where RT-PCR testing is not readily available or where there is a need for rapid testing of a large number of people. For example, RATs can be used in schools, workplaces, and transport hubs to quickly identify and isolate infected individuals.

In conclusion, RATs are a valuable tool in the battle against COVID-19, but they cannot be seen as a substitute for RT-PCR testing. It is essential that symptomatic cases tested negative by RATs are followed up by RT-PCR testing to ensure that no positive cases are missed. While the Biotech Rapid COVID Test is a promising development, it is important to remember that it is only one of several RATs being used globally. As the pandemic continues to evolve, we must remain vigilant and continue to use all the tools at our disposal to control the spread of the virus.