At present, the world mainly uses two kinds of tests to test whether people are diagnosed with coronary disease, and these two tests are antigen rapid test kit (RTK-Ag) and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). What is the difference between them? Which test will be more accurate?
According to information issued by the Ministry of Health of Malaysia, the detection methods, accuracy, and time of the detection results of (RTK-Ag) and (RT-PCR) are different. The simplified version is attached below can make you understand the two tests quickly.
What are the differences between these tests:
RTK-Ag antigen rapid test kit
Introduction: It can be done by yourself or by professionals to help you with coronary disease detection
Detection method: nasal swab or saliva
Accuracy: 90%-95%
Test result time: 15-20 minutes
How to buy: You can buy from pharmacies, private clinics, or sales offices approved by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs.
RT-PCR polymerase chain reaction
Introduction: help from professionals to detect coronary disease
Detection method: nose and throat swab
Accuracy: 99.9%
Test result time: 24-72 hours
Purchase method: You can go to government/private clinics, hospitals, and laboratories for testing.
Among them, RT-PCR is considered to be the most standard and effective in detecting the diagnosis of coronary disease. However, if a large number of screening tests are required and the test results are quickly known, the Ministry of Health will use RTK-Ag to test. In addition, the Minister of Health pointed out that according to experts from the National Institute of Medicine (IMR), the current (RT-PCR) test can detect the new variant of the coronavirus “Omicron”, and the (RTK-Ag) has yet to be confirmed. In this case, you should be tested for coronary disease to ensure your health once you feel uncomfortable! Don’t forget to share to let more people understand the difference between these two types of coronary disease tests!!
