HJH Polyclinic

Congratulations, Dra Leah Mae!

INPATIENT SAFETY ADVISORY

KNOW YOUR COVID-19 VACCINES!

Information you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccines on our current portfolio:

✅ How many doses and interval in which each dose is taken;
✅ Storage and cold chain requirements;
✅ How well it will do in preventing symptomatic and severe COVID-19; and
✅ Common adverse events you can expect following the latest Phase III clinical trials data.

Know the right information! Be part of the BIDA Bakunation!

SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, has several known antigens which are visible protrusions on its surface. An antigen is a molecule capable of stimulating an immune response and each one has distinct surface features that are recognized by the immune system.

Like RT PCR, the rapid antigen detection test too seeks to detect the virus than the antibodies produced by the body.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RT PCR
AND COVID-19 ANTIGEN SWAB TEST?

Like PCR swab test, COVID-19 antigen swab test is
used in the qualitative detection of SARS CoV2
antigen in human nasopharyngeal swab specimens.
Unlike PCR tests, it does not determine the qualitative
value or rate of SARS CoV2 antigen concentration
present in your body.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RAPID
ANTIGEN TEST AND RAPID ANTIBODY TEST?

There are different recommended periods for the two
tests. A Rapid Antibody Test reveals if a person has
already been exposed to an infection by detecting
antibodies in their blood or serum. In contrast, Rapid
Antigen Test reveals of a person is currently infected
with a pathogen such as SARS CoV2 virus. Once the
infection has gone, the antigen disappears.

WHEN IT IS ADVISABLE TO DO THE COVID-19
ANTIGEN SWAB TEST?

The antigen swab test should be done within 5-7
days after symptoms onset.

IS THERE A NEED TO DO CONFIRMATORY TEST?

This test can be used as an aid for early diagnosis of
SARS CoV2 infection for patients who have clinical
symptoms and can serve as an initial screening test
result. Alternative diagnosis methods can be performedin order to obtain the confirmation of SARS CoV2infection. While PCR testing for COVID-19 is the most sensitive test available, the COVID-19 antigen test is also very accurate, provided the perfect timing of the testing is observed.