Jamaica to begin rapid COVID-19 testing

Jamaicans will soon be able to do rapid COVID-19 tests following a decision by the health ministry to approve antigen testing on the island.

Some 4,374 positive cases have been recorded in Jamaica since the outbreak began, 3,016 of them being active. However, the health authorities have said that the number of persons who have the virus may be much higher as the country is now in the community phase of the disease.

Starting next month, the COVID-19 antigen test will be on the market. Jamaica has ordered 80,000 of the tests. These tests are expected to arrive in the next four weeks.

Jamaica, however, will continue with the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, which is considered the most reliable in detecting COVID-19.

"The antigen test is going to make things more efficient," Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said. "It offers a world of different possibilities and that is a positive for living with COVID."

Would be cheaper

The Director of the National Laboratory Services, Dr Michelle Hamilton, said that the use of the rapid test, which would be cheaper, will help to speed up the turnaround time for results.

"These antigen tests are not as reliable as the PCR tests in all circumstances. However, they are able, especially given the stage of community transmission, to detect the positive cases," Hamilton said. The rapid tests are most useful for persons who have COVID-19 symptoms.

Positive antigen results are usually highly accurate but negative results may need to be confirmed with another test. Antigen tests are more likely to miss an active coronavirus infection compared to PCR tests that are now used. The tests will be available both in the private and public sector. All tests must be ordered by a doctor.