What is rapid test strip?

A rapid diagnostic test (RDT) is a medical diagnostic test that is quick and easy to perform. RDTs are suitable for preliminary or emergency medical screening and for use in medical facilities with limited resources. They also allow point-of-care testing in primary care for things that formerly only a laboratory test could measure. They provide same-day results within two hours, typically in approximately 20 minutes.[1][2]

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The European Union defines that a rapid test means qualitative or semi-quantitative in vitro-diagnostic medical devices, used singly or in a small series, which involve non-automated procedures and have been designed to give a fast result.[3]

Lateral flow tests are probably the most known type of rapid diagnostic tests,[4] similar to pregnancy tests, but there exist other systems as dipsticks, vertical flow, etc. Anything that can be used at bedside (point-of-care) of the patient. Emerging lateral flow technology, the Cornell FeverPhone, has been validated to differentiate causes of acute febrile illness such as Dengue Virus,[5] Chikugunya Virus[5] and Malaria[6] using a single drop of blood in about 15 minutes.[7]

Examples

Some examples of RDTs are listed below:

See also

References

Medical laboratory test.

What are rapid tests?

Rapid tests, also known as rapid diagnostic tests or RDTs, are easy-to-use tests that provide quick results, usually in 20 minutes or less. Most standard tests have to be sent to a lab, and you have to wait for the results. With a rapid test, you can have the test done and get the results at your provider's office or a clinic. For some of these tests, you can also do them and get the results at home.

Rapids tests usually include the following steps:

• You provide a sample of your body fluid, such as blood, urine, saliva, or nasal secretions.
• The sample is mixed with a special substance that will cause a chemical reaction if a disease or other condition is present.
• The results show on a dipstick or rapid test cassette:
  • A dipstick is a thin, plastic strip coated with chemicals. If the test is positive, the dipstick will change color when placed in the sample.
  • A rapid test cassette is a small plastic case with a well that holds the sample. The well shows a letter or a symbol to indicate the result.

Most rapid tests can provide quick, reliable results, but the results are not always as accurate as standard lab tests. The accuracy of your test results may be affected by:

• The type of test used
• How the test is stored and transported
• The type of specimen taken
• Your symptoms
• When your symptoms started
• What you are testing for
• Using a test that is past its expiration date

Other names: rapid diagnostic tests, RDT's point-of-care tests

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