If in doubt, test for coronavirus every seven hours

Berlin Antigen tests are becoming increasingly important in the fight against the corona pandemic. For example, a positive rapid test in a certified test center in Berlin has recently been sufficient to officially be considered corona positive.

The antigen tests, which detect protein components in the envelope of the coronavirus, are often less reliable than the PCR tests, which search for the virus’s genetic material. In addition, as reported, there are significant quality differences in the rapid tests that are available in Germany for home use.

The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut has examined the overall sensitivity of rapid antigen tests for home use – i.e. the sensitivity with which the proteins are detected in all people with a high, medium or low viral load in the airways. Even for the tests that meet the criteria specified for approval, the overall sensitivity ranges from less than 30 percent to 100 percent.