Rapid antigen-tests (nasal, oro-pharyngeal and saliva swabs)
Rapid antigen-testing is less expensive, it provides results more rapidly (30-60 minutes) than molecular testing, and it needs not be performed by specialized personnel. It is useful above all for screeing purposes and input is needed as quickly as possible to adopt control actions. Unlike molecular tests, however, antigen tests reveal the presence of the virus not through its nucleic acid (RNA) but through its proteins (antigen). This is the reason for the name that is commonly used: antigen test. Realiability is comparable with molecular testing and in some contexts positive results may need to be confirmed by a molecular test.
