Rapid Antigen Tests Less Sensitive for Detecting Omicron Variant Infections, Says US Food and Drug Administration
The Food and Drug Administration in the US has said that rapid antigen tests are less sensitive for detecting Omicron variant infections.
Washington, December 29: The Food and Drug Administration in the US has said that rapid antigen tests are less sensitive for detecting Omicron variant infections.
"Early data suggest that antigen tests do detect the omicron variant but may have reduced sensitivity," FDA said in a statement on Tuesday (local time).
Also Read | Yemen Rebels Allow UN humanitarian Flights Temporarily into Sanaa Airport.
The FDA provided information based on preliminary study results of some antigen tests using patient samples containing live viruses.
The FDA has said that it will continue to collaborate with the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) RADx program to further evaluate the performance of antigen tests using patient samples with live viruses.
Also Read | Japan Held Drill in November Assuming Foreign Occupation of Senkakus Islands.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has mutated over time, resulting in genetic variation in the population of circulating viral strains over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Molecular, antigen, and serology tests are affected by viral mutations differently due to the inherent design differences of each test, the statement added.
(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)