What is the difference between a rapid test, self-test and a PCR test?
The PCR test is currently the safest way to detect an infection with the Corona virus. It may only be carried out by medical personnel and the evaluation takes place in the laboratory, so the result is available after a few hours at the earliest. The sample is taken through a deep throat and/or deep nasal swab, which is why the test can only be carried out by medical personnel [...].
How long is the result of the self-test valid?
With a rapid antigen test, the result is only valid on the day the test was taken. It shows for the next 6 hours whether you can infect a person or not. This can be different again afterwards. Therefore, we recommend repeating the test regularly. Especially before you have contact with other people [...].
What does the abbreviation PEI mean and what are the tasks of the PEI with regard to the self-tests?
The abbreviation PEI stands for the Paul Ehrlich Institute. Together with the Robert Koch Institute, the PEI has drawn up a list of minimum criteria that the antigen rapid tests must meet according to the manufacturer's specifications. If a test fulfils all criteria according to the manufacturer's information, it is listed by the BfArM. This list only includes antigen tests that have been reported to the BfArM by the manufacturer or distributor. [...]
What does the abbreviation RKI mean and what are its tasks with regard to self-tests?
The abbreviation RKI stands for the Robert Koch Institute. In coordination with the Robert Koch Institute, the PEI has defined minimum criteria for rapid antigen tests. Source: https://www.pei.de/DE/newsroom/dossier/coronavirus/coronavirus-inhalt.html;jsessionid=09B536A7388CE2341E5768C21C36E201.intranet231?nn=169730&cms_pos=3
What are the mutations?
So far, there are mainly four known virus mutations. These are Alpha (B1.1.7), which was first detected in the UK in September 2020, Beta (B1.351), which was first detected in South Africa at the end of 2020, Gamma (P.1), which was first detected in Brazil, and Delta (B1.617.2), which was found [...]
Why does the virus have different names?
Covid-19 = Corona Virus Disease 2019 SARS-CoV-2 = Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronaviruses are not new viruses. Coronaviruses were already discovered in the 1960s. However, the novel coronavirus that is currently responsible for the pandemic is a new, previously unknown strain of the virus. This novel coronavirus is [...]
What is the novel corona virus?
The virus belongs to the coronaviruses, which were first found in the 1960s. The novel coronavirus is a new strain of the previously known SARS pathogen from 2002. Source: https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/coronavirus/informationen-zum-coronavirus-1734932
When and for how long can I read the result of the self-test?
The test results of the self-tests can be read after different times depending on the manufacturer. Normally, the result can be read after 15 or 20 minutes, depending on the test. After 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the manufacturer, the result may no longer be read off, as it is no longer meaningful. However, it is essential that the exact times are [...]
How long does it take to do a rapid test?
You should take about half an hour for the self-test. After you have taken the sample, you have to wait between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on the test, until you can read the result.
What is meant by specificity and sensitivity of a test?
The specificity of a test indicates how likely it is that someone who is actually healthy will also be identified as healthy. For example, with a specificity of 96%, 96 out of 100 people who take this test and are not actually infected with the coronavirus will test negative. The sensitivity of a test says how likely it is [...]
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