Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-11-18 Origin: Site
On 26 February, the government reminded members of the public to visit the dedicated COVID-19 website for information on selecting and using rapid antigen test (RAT) kits.Currently,there are many RAT kits on the market.The government accepts RAT kits approved by the relevant authorities in major markets.
In order to "early identification,early isolation,and early treatment",the government is now purchasing a large number of mouse rapid antigen detection kits for different groups of people to test.The purpose is to identify infected people as soon as possible and cut off the chain of transmission. possible time.RAT is designed to directly detect SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins (antigens) in respiratory specimens.It is used for the qualitative detection of antigens in specimens from suspected infected persons. Therefore,it should be used in conjunction with clinical interpretation and results of other laboratory tests.There are different brands of tests on the market.Most of them require nasal or nasopharyngeal swab samples or deep throat saliva samples. Tests are easy to perform. 
How to choose a RAT suite?
You can purchase RAT kits for voluntary testing.There is plenty of supply in the market, When choosing a RAT kit from the market, you can refer to the following list:
1. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Department of Health: List COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests under the Administrative Control System for Medical Devices.
2. State Drug Administration: List of Medical Devices Approved for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.
3. EU: General checklist for rapid antigen detection of COVID-19.
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration: List of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Diagnostic Tests Granted Emergency Use Authorization
Government distributes free RAT kits.
The government is distributing free RAT toolkits to.
Specific high risk and target groups - through respective industry associations/government departments.
Residents who receive “StayHomeSafe” – a RAT kit is included in the supplies they receive.
How to do RAT?
You can test it yourself, and it's easy to do.
Precautions.
Clean surface.
Before you start
Blow your nose gently
Before starting
Handwashing
Before the exam
Open test suite
Just before the exam
Do not touch
Tips of cotton swab
Read the following instructions
Take enough samples
Properly Mixed Swabs and test solution. Put the detection package on a flat surface drops exact numbers
Sample Drops
Solution in sample well
Read result
Specified time
1. Personal Hygiene
2. Wash your hands before and after the test.Find a clean,well-ventilated place to test.Clear out non-essentials around you. Keep a distance of at least 2 meters from other people.If the surrounding environment is polluted,disinfect with 1:49 diluted bleach.For metal surfaces, disinfect with 70% alcohol.
3. Record the results
4. If you are undergoing StayHomeSafe or have tested positive, please take a photo of the result, photo required for report.
What do parents and caregivers need to do to prepare for the RAT procedure for judging a child's age?
Children may not be able to fully undergo the RAT procedure without preparation.Before sampling,parents and caregivers need to prepare the child in a way that the child can understand,such as demonstrating the sampling procedure on a doll,letting them know how deep the swab will go in the nose,and assuring them that they will feel a little itchy but It won't hurt.During the procedure,the child can feel safe and cooperative by holding his or her favorite toy.Immediately praise your child for taking steps to cope with the RAT.
How deep should the nasal swab stick reach into the nasal cavity when performing a nasal rapid antigen test (RAT) on a child?
Parents and caregivers should refer to each brand's instruction leaflet when using COVID-19 RAT kits, and it should not be too deep. Parents and caregivers are advised to hold the nasal swab in a "pencil-hold" fashion when inserting the swab into their child's nostril.Place the swab into each nostril in turn.Gently rotate the swab the required number of revolutions,continue to rotate the swab stick as it is withdrawn,and repeat the process with the same swab stick in the other nostril.Properly dip the nasal swab stick into the test solution and mix well.Place the detection kit on a flat surface,drop the required number of mixed solutions into the wells of the kit, and read the result within the specified time.
Will the RAT test for children cause nosebleeds,and if so,will it affect their health?
There are only a few capillaries in the area that the nasal swab touches, so the chances of nosebleeds are very low.Minor nosebleeds will not affect your child's health.If a nosebleed does occur during sampling,parents and caregivers should help the child to stop the bleeding by pressing on the wing of the nose (not the bridge),and the child should lean forward slightly and breathe briefly through the mouth. In most cases,bleeding stops within 5 to 10 minutes.
What are the mistakes in stopping nosebleeds?
Plugging the nostrils with a tissue while holding the child's head back and placing an ice pack on the child's forehead are common mistakes for stopping nosebleeds.Clogging the nostrils with paper towels will further damage the mucous membrane of the nasal wall and cause bleeding again.Tilting the head not only cannot stop the nosebleed,but will make the blood flow back from the nasal cavity to the airway,causing suffocation.Putting an ice pack on your child's forehead won't stop the bleeding.
Can I do RAT again after a nosebleed?
If the nosebleed is not serious,you can take a nasal swab again after a period of rest.In such cases,parents and caregivers are advised to perform the procedure in a gentle manner, avoiding excessive pressure on the healing nasal mucosa.
When is the right time to give your child a RAT?
Parents and caregivers should take a nasal swab after the child wakes up in the morning.Brushing teeth,rinsing mouth, washing nose, drinking water and eating should be avoided before sampling, as these behaviors will reduce the viral load on the mucous membrane of the nasal wall, thereby reducing the sensitivity of detection.
Which nasal swab or deep throat saliva is more accurate for testing children's COVID-19 status?
Each test method has its own sensitivity and specificity.The accuracy of the test depends on the sampling method and proper adherence to the instructions shown in the test kit.Different test methods take different times to get results.Tests that can be performed repeatedly at home, accepted and tolerated by children,and have immediate results should be the first choice for children before going to school.Most children are unable to perform the "Ka-Too" maneuver to collect standard-quality deep-throat saliva. Also, the deep throat saliva test can take one to two days for results.The rapid antigen test (RAT) using a throat swab is a useful tool when done properly. Not only can children infected with SARS-CoV2 be detected in time for monitoring and treatment, but it can also help prevent the spread of the virus in schools.
