Morocco Evaluates Rapid Antigen Tests to Boost COVID-19 Detection

The introduction of rapid antigen tests is of great importance given the speed of active virus circulation in several cities and regions of Morocco. In addition to the winter wave that the WHO is announcing with a strong impact in the northern hemisphere.

At the request of the Moroccan Society of Medical Sciences, three rapid antigen tests against Covid-19 are currently being evaluated, the Pasteur Institute in Casablanca has confirmed. The purpose of the evaluation, according to Médias24, is to verify the sensitivity and specificity of each test, based on "sufficient" samples in the kingdom.

The Institute will proceed to verify in subjects who have already given their consent, from a sample that will then be tested by the gold standard (PCR) and by the antigen test. The interest is that the results will be compared. The WHO had indicated that rapid antigen tests should have a minimum sensitivity of 80% and a minimum specificity of 99%, the same source said.

Rapid antigen tests can be performed in pharmacies, medical offices, clinics, hospital emergency rooms, medical analysis laboratories, in the presence of the patient. After 15 to 20 minutes, the result is delivered.

Rapid antigen tests are used as needed, for rapid diagnostic operations or diagnostic guidance. Also, its use will be determined by the strategy followed, as well as the level of virus circulation. Not to mention that it is preferable to start with vulnerable or at-risk people. The antigen test will reduce the duration of the tests, for a more prompt care of the people and avoid serious cases.