Recognition of positive rapid antigen test from today… Citizens fear ‘fake training’

From the 14th, the results of the rapid antigen test received at local hospitals and clinics will also determine whether or not to be confirmed with COVID-19. The quarantine authorities and medical staff are of the opinion that in a ‘pandemic situation’, a diagnosis using rapid antigen testing is an inevitable alternative. However, many citizens are not able to hide their anxiety, saying that the accuracy of the test results is questionable as there is a possibility of errors in the self-diagnosis kit.

The quarantine authorities announced on the 11th that if the results of the rapid antigen test performed by medical staff at hospitals and clinics from this day to the 13th of next month are positive, they will be recognized as corona19 confirmed. As the number of confirmed cases skyrocketed due to the Omicron mutation pandemic, it was decided that it was difficult to keep pace with the PCR test alone. As a result, 7588 respiratory clinics and respiratory treatment-designated medical institutions across the country have taken a rapid antigen test for experts and confirmed positive, a medical consultation prescription will be made immediately.

However, citizens are voicing concerns about the government’s policy. Office worker A living in Cheongju said, “At the screening clinic, when the medical staff did a self-diagnosis kit, it came out positive, but when I did the PCR, it came out negative.” said Kim (49), who lives in Gunpo, Gyeonggi-do, also said, “The self-diagnosis kit showed ‘two lines’, but the PCR test was determined to be ‘negative’.” told

As the PCR test accuracy is higher than the self-diagnosis kit, there are still voices that it should be used. Mo Yoon, an office worker living in Hapjeong-dong, Seoul, said, “It is better than using a self-diagnosis kit as it is tested by an expert, but I have doubts about its effectiveness.” Haesun PCR is the most reliable.”

Mo (27), an office worker living in Gongneung-dong, said, “I know that there are 200,000 to 300,000 confirmed cases a day, so I know that there is nothing that can be done due to the limitations of the medical staff.” It’s unfortunate and I’m worried that it will only increase confusion.”

Experts emphasize the need for isolation and diagnosis using rapid antigen kits during the recent pandemic. Eunmi Cheon, a professor at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, said, “We are in a situation where we have entered a speed war to manage patients with severe cases. We should shorten the time through rapid antigen testing rather than waiting for PCR testing.”

Professor Kim Woo-joo of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Korea University Guro Hospital also explained, “We should have confirmed positive through the rapid antigen test earlier.” “False negatives are more problematic than false positives.