Parent Advice Sheet
RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS (RAT) What is a Rapid Antigen Test?
RATs are a type of test for COVID-19 - They are taken from the front of nose, using a swab - The result takes about 20 minutes
RATs look for proteins on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus - These are only present when you have an active COVID-19 infection
RATs are most accurate when used within a few days of the start of your symptoms - This is when the largest amount of virus is present in your body
RATs cannnot pick up small quantities of virus material
A negative RAT test does not completely rule out COVID-19 infection
What does it mean if my child’s RAT test is POSITIVE? Your child has COVID 19 Your child may need a separate nasal swab for a PCR test, to be sent to the lab - Depending on current recommendations from the MOH
What does it mean if my child’s RAT test is NEGATIVE?
It is still possible that your child has COVID 19 - Because your child has COVID 19-like symptoms
The amount of virus proteins in your child’s nose might be too small to be picked up on the RAT test at this stage of your child’s illness
You must continue to follow the latest health advice and restrictions in your area
If you have been instructed to isolate, you must continue to do so
We are following the current recommendations from the MOH on whether your child needs a separate nasal swab for a PCR test which we send to the lab
CONTACTS Health line: 0800 611 116 (available 24 hours) Children’s Emergency Department Version 1.1 Feb 2022