DECRYPTION – Since December 28, the self-tests can be sold in supermarkets. But can they really replace a PCR or antigen test after risky contact?
They are faster, more convenient, and less painful than PCR tests: nasal self-tests are now a key asset in the government’s strategy to fight the epidemic. Especially at school: according to the new protocol unveiled on Sunday by the Minister of National Education Jean-Michel Blanquer, if a case of Covid-19 is detected in a class, all the students will have to carry out two self-tests on D + 2 and D + 4 after the first test, PCR or antigen on D0. They are also popular with the rest of the population: 1.2 million home samples were taken by the French in the days leading up to Christmas, according to Olivier Véran. They are now found in supermarkets for a price between 2 and 5 euros per unit. But are they really reliable?
Read alsoCovid-19: before New Years Eve, which screening test should be preferred?
According to the Haute Autorité de santé, the antigenic tests to be carried out oneself detect the presence of virus in a sick person in 80% of cases. In other words, the remaining 20% are “false negatives” …
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