Rapid antigen tests could be a game changer for Vid

Nagpur: Since some of the districts in Vidarbha started using rapid antigen tests, there has been a spike in positive patients, adding to the region’s count too. But experts told TOI that this could prove to be a long term game-changer policy in management of Covid-19.
Vidarbha region recorded 1401 Covid-19 cases between June 25 and July 5 (10 days) when widespread use of Rapid antigen tests was not in practice. From July 6 to July 15 (next 10 days) – many districts, especially – Buldhana, Washim, Amravati and Yavatmal – started use of these tests. Number of cases reported in this period surged to 2440 – nearly double.
“As per our policy, we are ensuring ‘more tests’ with the use of rapid antigen test kits. But mere increase in number of tests is not the only benefit,” said Dr Shrikant Shinde, expert on community medicine. “Rapid antigen test is point-of-care test. Means, it can be conducted where the patients are present right there in the field. So, they ensure early detection of infection and quick containment,” said Dr Shinde.
In fact, districts like Buldhana, Akola, Amravati and Washim are conducting rapid antigen tests at various tehsil and villages. Hence, patients are being reported at an early stage from these villages. Detection of Covid-19 patients at asymptomatic or mild symptomatic stage ensures better treatment and recovery. Contact tracing of such patients also becomes easy.
The surge in number of cases may be more due to the effective use of Rapid antigen tests, but most of these patients are asymptomatic and have all chances of recovery. Case fatality rate can be controlled effectively in next week or two. In fact, fatality rate of Vidarbha has already started moving downwards. It was 3.28% on July 1 and 2.80% on July 15.
In Washim, the district administration has launched a WhatsApp number and appealed to residents to come forward and get tested. Many residents having travel or contact history or having symptoms appeared for the tests. As rapid antigen test results are given within an hour, they got results immediately.
“Four such residents have tested positive in Washim. They are under treatment now. It’s good that we got these patients at early stage,” said district collector Hrishikesh Modak. Reporting early is the key for better treatment and early recovery, he said.
In Akola too, many patients reported to the GMCH in critical condition and hence deaths were more, said resident deputy collector Sanjay Khadse. “We are also doing rapid antigen tests in rural parts of the district now,” he added.
The number of cases in Vidarbha are still less than the projected figure. So, more rapid tests can bring better containment of Covid-19 in future.