Edelruth, PBS Passport Holder

I am so frustrated right now. I am trying to find out whether the at-home covid rapid tests can detect the new BA.2 strain(s).
I'm finding lots of "it should work because of its design".

That's nice.

Has there been any lab testing of the rapid tests on this/these new strains? Or, are we going to just wander along on "should"?

#Covid
#BA2
#RapidTesting

Feb 29, 2024 at 7:47pmWeb
Show threaddeewaniMar 2, 2024
@Edelruth
Show threaddeewaniMar 2, 2024
They work but can take up to 4 days to show positive. :( Some places may still give free PCR tests. This may help about RATs. https://mastodon.social/@augieray/112017929585823887
Show threadEdelruth, PBS Passport HolderMar 2, 2024

@deewani

So I can believe a four day negative ?

(my grandson had a cough, and xray showed pneumonia, and flu & covid were negative: I'm afraid for long Covid for him)

Show threaddeewaniMar 2, 2024
@Edelruth I’m so sorry! If he was seen by a doctor they probably did a PCR which is way more sensitive. You can try and find that out. I have no qualifications to advise about a 4 day RAT being negative. False + is way more rare than negative.
Show threaddeewaniMar 2, 2024
@Edelruth https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/pcr-vs-rapid-covid-19-test-whats-the-difference/. This explains the difference. If you have RATs lying around another one at day 5 at 6 won’t hurt. Flowflex and BinaxNow were what I read were good for these variants.
PCR vs. rapid COVID-19 test: What’s the difference?

Testing is one of our best defenses against stopping the spread of COVID-19, but which kind of test is the best?

OSF HealthCare Blog
Show threaddeewaniMar 2, 2024
@Edelruth From personal recent family experience FlowFlex detected asymptomatic covid on 4th day as a blazing red positive.
Show threadEdelruth, PBS Passport HolderMar 2, 2024

@deewani

Ye, he was, that's how he got the xray, and we did a home PCR as well. All negative. I feel more confident now that I can believe those negatives, which is happy news, as his brother now has the same cough (RSV? They never said if they tested for that).

I was thrilled to find a home Covid/Flu combined PCR test (thank you, Lucira!), and when [if] they come out with a version that includes RSV I'll be set.

Show threaddeewaniMar 2, 2024
@Edelruth Wonderful. Yes if PCR was negative then that is great news. I hope he feels better soon!!
Show threadEdelruth, PBS Passport HolderMar 2, 2024

@deewani

Thank you for your responses. I really appreciate them.

Show threaddeewaniMar 2, 2024
@Edelruth Thank YOU for being a great grandma!
Show threadEdelruth, PBS Passport HolderMar 2, 2024

@deewani

And, thanks for the attachment. Much appreciated.