COVID antigen test in Odisha’s Ganjam, Cuttack from today

Berhampur: Rapid antigen test for detection of COVID-19 will commence in Odisha’s Ganjam district today, informed Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange.

The district administration has received the antigen test kits while the same will be used from today onwards as per guidelines, the official said.

The collector further informed that door-to-door screening will start from tomorrow onwards in urban areas of the district. Shutdown will be imposed in the screening area for that time period for three to four days as per requirement. Screening team with oximeter will visit every household, he said.

Kulange urged the people of the district to cooperate during the screening and not to hide symptoms.

On the other hand, COVID antigen test will also commence at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Acharya Harihara Regional Cancer Centre, Sishu Bhawan and City Hospital in Cuttack today. Around 2,000 antigen test kits have been received at the SCB Hospital.

What is rapid antigen detection test for COVID-19?

The antigen detection test is done by collecting nasal swab to detect antigens that are found on or withing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Known as the Standard Q COVID-19 Ag kit, antigen detection test does not require any specialised machine. According to ICMR, antigen testing is a promising tool for quick diagnosis of coronavirus infection in field settings. The results can be obtained within 30 minutes and can be analysed with a naked eye.