The rapid antigen test approved in Switzerland has performed badly in a direct comparison with PCR tests. Among 141 people infected with Covid-19, it detected only two out of three infections.
The research team determined the diagnostic accuracy of Roche’s rapid antigen test in a clinical setting for the first time by evaluating samples taken by specially trained experts using both test methods.
More
More
Rapid Covid-19 tests could offer a path back to normal
This content was published on
Could rapid antigen tests like the one Roche plans to launch this month become the norm?
In the sample of 1,465 tests, the PCR test showed that 141 people (9.6%) were infected with Covid-19, while the rapid antigen test detected 95 infections (6.4%). In practice, it could be assumed that the results are even worse, especially when taking samples, the statement said.
“Widespread application in such a setting might lead to a considerable number of individuals falsely classified as SARS-CoV-2 negative,” the study concluded.
Missed cases
Co-author Franziska Suter-Riniker from the University of Bern added that antigen tests work better with a high viral load than with a low viral load. Thus, highly infectious people would also be more likely to test positive.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
The researchers wrote that currently an estimated 130,000 rapid tests are carried out per week in Switzerland. With about 18% coming back positive, some 23,400 would be correctly identified as positive, but 12,400 infected people would be missed.
“There is thus a potential risk that antigen tests will make the pandemic worse instead of slowing it down,” said study leader Michael Nagler from the Insel hospital. “The rapid antigen tests available today should therefore only be used with reservations as part of the Covid-19 measures.”
More
Archived
What’s the best way to convince people to get the Covid vaccine?
Do positive incentives like give-aways work? Or should more coercive measures like in France be taken?
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
This content was published on
A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
This content was published on
The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
This content was published on
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
This content was published on
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
‘You can’t test the virus away’
This content was published on
As Switzerland embarks on a major test offensive, Geneva virologist Isabella Eckerle cautions against treating it as a silver bullet.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.