Austin (KXAN) — The Meals and Drug Administration warns that antigen assessments may not detect the highly-transmissible Omicron variant. The company continues to authorize the usage of the assessments, however says antigen assessments are usually much less delicate and fewer prone to choose up very early infections in comparison with molecular assessments.
Officials say if a person tests negative with an antigen test however is suspected of getting COVID-19 — akin to experiencing signs or having a excessive chance of an infection as a result of publicity — follow-up molecular testing is essential for figuring out a COVID-19 an infection.
With Austin-Travis County again beneath Stage 4 risk-based tips, well being officers are recommending masking in all conditions, even for many who are totally vaccinated and boosted.
Austin Public Well being is reporting 70 new hospitalizations prior to now 24 hours. That’s why metropolis and county leaders are increasing free COVID-19 testing throughout Central Texas, together with The Lengthy Heart.
Extra lanes have been added to scale back wait occasions after staff performed about 1,000 assessments Tuesday. NOMI Well being says about 26 p.c of these assessments got here again constructive.
APH says self-administered assessments’ reliability will be affected by the individual administering the take a look at as a result of they simply don’t wish to go deep sufficient into the nasopharyngeal space to gather an enough pattern.
Ana Lopez tells KXAN she examined constructive for COVID-19 after receiving various outcomes from at-home assessments.
“I’m very paranoid. So I examined once more, and had a take dwelling take a look at on the twenty second. And it got here again constructive, so I’ve been isolating ever since,” Lopez mentioned.
Jay Kahlon, who was purported to spend the vacations with household in Austin, mentioned he had the same outcome when taking an antigen take a look at and a PCR take a look at.
“I had a speedy take a look at carried out which was unfavourable after which went on to the ER the subsequent day, which was December 18, and at that time, I might barely speak,” he mentioned. “My lips have been swollen a bit of bit, after which additionally had a very scratchy throat after which additionally had an upset abdomen.”
He mentioned the physician did a PCR take a look at and the outcomes have been constructive.
APH says the gold customary for COVID detection continues to be the PCR take a look at. If an individual has COVID-like signs, they need to isolate from others and put on a masks till they’re examined.
The CDC additionally recommends that if an individual assessments unfavourable on day 5 after symptom onset, they need to nonetheless proceed to put on a masks for 5 days when round different people.
