Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) have been a popular item in stores across Owen Sound and region since the Ontario government announced more than 5 million free tests would be available each week at grocery stores and pharmacies.
According to the information that comes with the tests, they are recommended only for people with symptoms of Covid-19.
"While one-off testing (e.g. before a social gathering) by people not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and without a known exposure is generally not recommended, if you choose to use a rapid antigen test in this way complete it as close to the event as possible (e.g, ideally within a few hours of the event) and know that a negative result could be a false negative."
This is in line with the advice of the Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health. Dr. Arra recommends rapid tests only if you are symptomatic, or if Public Health has let you know that you are a close contact to someone who has COVID-19, based on a thorough risk assessment. He says determining who is a close contact is a decision that can only be made by Public Health.
"We discourage people from relying on the results of rapid antigen tests; if you’re sick, stay home whether you test positive or negative. We also discourage asymptomatic testing. If you choose to participate in this voluntary asymptomatic testing strategy (which we do not suggest), please be aware of the risks and challenges related to such testing: Rapid Antigen Tests are not very reliable, the accuracy of the tests is a challenge. A negative test is not an indication of truly being negative, and a positive test is not a guarantee of the test being positive. A false positive may cause significant and unintended anxiety in families linked to the false positive. Self-isolation, inability to attend work, and fear/anxiety are real outcomes of a false positive. Most concerning, a false negative can contribute to further spreading of the virus due to false reassurance. Testing in people who have no symptoms increases the likelihood of false positives."
The video instructions referred to in the sheet accompanying the tests says to book a PCR test at an assessment centre if the test shows positive, but that process has changed in Ontario, and those with symptoms or a positive test are directed to isolate.
