The dependability of the antigen tests conducted at large are facing serious questions as reports of their growing incidents of false negative results surface. The Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT), that were carried out extensively in India at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, are now being identified as an area of problem by the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research). The issue has been recognised by the council after the publication of various reports and studies that suggested the chances of incurring a false negative report through RAT is as high as 50%.

The ICMR in its recent recommendations, mentioned that the people getting negative  RAT reports are also required to undergo a consecutive the RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) test. The RT-PCR Test in India has been hailed as the ideal benchmark test for determining the existence of the infection due to the Coronavirus in the human body. As per the ICMR guidelines, this new procedure will help in eliminating the numbers of false negatives and further enable the process of containing the virus.

The medical professionals have considered it to be a notable step in the process of combating the virus as it enhances the accuracy of determining the results of the COVID-19 tests. According to the researchers, Its possibility of being accurate stands as high as almost 100%. Apart from the fidelity, one of the major aspects of this new COVID-19 test is the result producing pace in the RT-PCR process. The people do not have to wait for a week or more to get their report as this test is capable of providing results within one to four hours. 

Deputy CM Delhi Manish Sisodia

Source: Livemint

However, despite the massive support to this shift in strategies to combat the COVID-19 Crisis, Deputy Chief minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia backs the continuing use of the RAT. He in his recent interview claimed that the chances of getting a false negative in the RT-PCR tests are almost the same as in the RAT. Adding to the debate, he also asserted the Rapid Antigen Tests to be a very significant preliminary test for COVID-19 infection in India. Some of the medical practitioners have highlighted the price efficiency of the Rapid Antigen Tests and the easy access of the test among all the sections of the society. As the country keeps witnessing a sharp steep in its COVID-19 cases, the absolute conclusion of this debate remains yet to be achieved.