Gbenro Adesina
In response to the growing Covid-19 pandemic and shortages of laboratory-based molecular testing capacity and reagents in Nigeria, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has approved the use of Rapid Diagonistic Test Kits known as (Ag) based Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT).
Revealing this, the NCDC Director General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu said, “We are recommending its use, primarily in congregate settings.
Specifically, NNDC DG said that the Ag RDT is recommended for settings such as schools, hospitals for the testing of patients with symptoms of COVID-19 presenting in hospital triage areas and periodic testing of health care workers, in prisons, among others.
He said, “While RDTs provide a faster turnaround time compared to the molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, there are limitations with this test. For example, the currently available Ag-RDTs have a lower sensitivity compared to PCR tests. The test can therefore present false negative results in people who have been infected with the virus. This is why the molecular PCR method remains the gold standard for testing. An algorithm has been included in the guidance to ensure that cases such as this are not missed”.
“The NCDC is introducing the use of these rapid antigen tests, to contribute to Nigeria’s overall COVID-19 testing capacity. The Ag-RDTs provide significant advantages over other available testing methods, especially in terms of shorter turnaround times and reduced costs. The correct use of Ag-RDTs will also enable the Government of Nigeria to increase the pace of testing, tracing and providing care for people with COVID-19”, he added.
The approved Ag RDTs is manufactured by SD Biosensor and Abbott for COVID-19 testing. The kits are highly portable and easy to administer, according to Ihekweazu.
