Rapid COVID-19 tests are less effective at detecting Omicron, FDA says, citing new lab data

Rapid COVID-19 tests are worse at detecting Omicron, FDA says, citing new lab data The results are preliminary but represent the "best way to evaluate true test performance in the short-term," the FDA said. YahooNews

Rapid antigen tests appear less sensitive to Omicron than previous variants, the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday.

"Early data suggests that antigen tests do detect the Omicron variant but may have reduced sensitivity," the FDA said.

The statement is based on laboratory findings, which are generally less dependable than clinical-trial results.

But because clinical trials take a lot longer, laboratory findings are the "best way to evaluate true test performance in the short-term," the FDA said.

People can still use the rapid tests — which are cheaper and more convenient — but should be aware of their shortcomings, the FDA said.

A follow-up PCR test is much more reliable and should be used by people who have symptoms or know they have been exposed to the coronavirus, the FDA added.

...   graph showing most infectionist days.

The UK Health Security Agency previously said there was "no change in performance" of these tests against Omicron. This was also the position held by the FDA one week ago.

The latest run of experiments changed the agency's mind. In that batch, the FDA used live virus taken from patient samples, which is a good proxy for what is happening in the real world.  ...