RATs most sensitive four days after symptom-onset
Rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 peak at 77% sensitivity at the four-day mark compared with a same-day PCR test, US researchers report
Rapid antigen tests are most sensitive to positive cases of COVID-19 four days after symptom-onset, US researchers have found.
According to their study involving 225 children and adults, the sensitivity of home testing kits peaked at 77% at the four-day mark compared with a same-day PCR test.
The overall sensitivity of rapid antigen tests (RATs) during the infectious period was a “moderate” 50%, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers.
However, the predictive value significantly improved with repeated testing.
