Negative antigen tests are fairly accurate, but nucleic acid tests are the gold standard for detecting viral infections.
The accuracy of the results of the new crown antigen test is mainly based on the “sensitivity” and “specificity”, and in general the sensitivity of the antigen test is not less than 80%, the specificity is not less than 97%, so the accuracy is still possible, but the antigen test is best for patients with high viral loads in the early stages of infection. However, antigen testing is most effective in patients with high viral loads and in the early stages of infection, and is most reliable in settings where the prevalence of new coronaviruses is ≥5%. Moreover, the antigen test can cause some false positives and false negatives, so nucleic acid testing is still the main diagnostic basis for neocoronavirus infection.
At the same time, the new coronavirus is more dangerous, so we need to actively accept the relevant preventive work, do not be negligent, so as not to affect the health.