Omicron may escape RT-PCR as US FDA says tests 'less sensitive' in detecting new variant

 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday said that on basis of some of preliminary research it has been found that COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests may be less sensitive in detecting highly mutated Omicron variant. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and FDA in collaboration conducted research about how well antigen tests work to detect new B.1.1.529 variant. In its analysis, ncy wrote that antigen tests “do detect omicron variant but may have reduced sensitivity,” according to NPR. This implies that re is an increased risk that a COVID-19 infection might be missed from testing, a scenario kwn as ”false negative.” Although FDA didn't specify brands of tests that it used in study.

" FDA continues to authorise use of se tests as directed in authorized labelling and individuals should continue to use m in accordance with instructions included with tests," ncy said in a statement on Dec. 28. "Antigen tests are generally less sensitive and less likely to pick up very early infections compared to molecular tests.”

Follow-up testing recommended

Furrmore, a senior researcher at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, Gigi Gronvall, stressed that new finding emphasises on challenge posed by evolving nature of virus and new variant. In a phone interview to NPR, former also stated that with every new variant, for instance, B.1.1.529, and previously Delta, health bodies have to ensure that tests work as it is effective method for contact tracing and isolation.

She n went on to add “it looks like tests work for this. But y're t picking up infections as early as previous versions.” “So if you feel any symptoms but test negative, it's t a get-out-of-jail-free card. You may need to test again and hold off a little bit on assuming that you're negative,” she stated.

After its analysis, US FDA has w encourd follow-up testing in order to effectively test and identify B.1.1.529 strain. “If a person tests positive with an antigen test, y should self-isolate and seek follow-up care with a health care provider to determine next steps,” ncy said in statement.