The so-called sensitivity indicates whether and how well a rapid antigen test detects a corona infection. It therefore provides information about the reliability of a rapid test, which is important for detecting infections and thus reducing the incidence of infection. You can find out what constitutes this reliability and which tests have the highest sensitivity according to the Paul Ehrlich Institute here.
Playing it safe: why reliability is important
Rapid antigen tests are often carried out when symptoms of corona disease occur. However, infections are also known to occur asymptomatically, i.e. without classic symptoms. Rapid tests that reliably detect a corona infection are therefore important in order to reduce the incidence and risk of infection. Asymptomatic infections or infections in the initial stages can thus be detected at an early stage. This makes it possible to isolate sick people as quickly as possible to prevent infection. It also saves money. This is the case if it is known that the rapid test used is reliable enough to detect a disease using just one test. It is therefore not necessary to carry out several tests to be sure of one or no infection. But what are the factors for the reliability of rapid tests?
Reliability factors
Sensitivity - This is the "hit rate" of test kits to find infected persons with a high viral load. A sensitivity of 100 percent therefore means that all infected persons can be detected using the test used. The level of the viral load is decisive for the accuracy of the test, as the SWR also explains in its article. It indicates the extent to which the virus has already multiplied in the nasopharynx. Originally, rapid antigen tests were developed to detect highly infectious patients. Therefore, most test kits work best when the viral load is high. The sensitivity values are therefore always shown for a high and very high viral load. But how do I know what sensitivity my rapid test has?
Rapid test test - The sensitivity finder for rapid tests
Unsure about the sensitivity of a particular antigen test? There is a simple online tool that can help: the Schnelltest test website. Simply scan the barcode, enter the number of the barcode or the name of the product and the sensitivity is displayed. Practical if you need this information quickly. But which rapid tests have the highest sensitivity?
The Paul Ehrlich list: The best antigen tests at a glance
The Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI) has tested a total of 246 rapid antigen tests. At least 46 tests were found to be unsuitable, as reported by the MDR. This means that the sensitivity of these defective tests was less than 75 percent. They therefore do not meet the minimum requirements of the PEI and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). If these minimum criteria are not met, the test is removed from the list by the Federal Office for Drugs. This list is decisive, for example for test centers, as other tests are not reimbursable and should therefore not be used in the centers. The Paul-Ehrlich Institute's list is available online for download. With a clear result: the Longsee and the Lifecosm rapid test are the front runners.
Clear test winners: Longsee and Lifecosm
The Paul Ehrlich Institute clearly considers the Longsee and Lifecosm to be the best rapid tests. With an overall sensitivity of 100 percent, the Longsee rapid test is the most accurate rapid test. With a sensitivity of 95.51% and a specificity of 99.72%, it clearly outperforms its competitors. This means that it detects an infection with both low and high viral loads. The sample is taken using a classic nasopharyngeal swab. Read more in the Handelsblatt.
The Lifecosm, on the other hand, is a true all-rounder when it comes to sampling: samples can be taken in four different ways. Either classically by means of nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs (naso- and oropharyngeal), by swabbing the anterior nasal area (anterio-nasal) or as a "lollipop" test, in which swabs are taken from the anterior oral cavity. The runner-up of the Paul-Ehrlich Institute has 96.34% sensitivity and 99.59% specificity as well as an overall sensitivity of 100 percent. Read more about this. Both tests, Longsee and Lifecosm, can detect the Omikron variant. They also impress with their low price.
The reliable test winners at parahealth
Top quality at an unbeatable price: at parahealth, the Lifecosm is available from just €1.47 and the Longsee from €1.13 per test. With us, business customers benefit in several ways: from fast delivery at reasonable prices and good customer service. A contact person is available to you at all times. Let us convince you of the many advantages and order the test winners from parahealth.
