BA.5, a mutation of the original omicron variant, which currently accounts for almost 80% of all current COVID-19 cases, stands out as a highly contagious strain. It will also be the target of booster vaccines, which will likely be available this fall or winter.
But how successful are the rapid tests that can be done at home in terms of the ability to detect BA.5? As always, the rapid tests seem to be doing their part for now, although new research is likely to prove that BA.5 makes some tests less effective in detecting positive cases of COVID-19.
At-home COVID-19 tests are rapid antigen tests that usually work by identifying the proteins in the coronavirus. If there are proteins when you swab your nose, your test will have a second line, which means you’re positive and are at risk of contracting COVID-19. This is similar to how a home pregnancy test works, but pregnancy tests detect the presence of a hormone rather than a virus.
However, it is stated that while we can be largely sure of the accuracy of positive results for these tests, false negative results are possible. This is because a much larger amount of virus must be present to get a positive result in a rapid test than in sensitive PCR or laboratory-based tests. For example, someone who has been fully vaccinated and supplemented may have a very low viral load (i.e. a smaller amount of virus) and this could make their test negative even if they have COVID-19. In this case, you may need a lab-based PCR test before you can be confirmed to have COVID-19.
When your symptoms (signs) are obvious, you will most likely test positive for COVID-19 on these tests. Similarly, asymptomatic people or people with mild symptoms may be more likely to get a false negative result than someone with a lot of symptoms. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use home tests if you’re vaccinated.
While research on BA.5 is ongoing, the accuracy of home COVID-19 testing seems to be related to when you test rather than the virus variant, the researchers say. As we mentioned above, if you are showing symptoms, you are more likely to have a positive result. Also, the researchers recommend that you do two different tests, with a day or two apart, if possible. Of course, when performing these tests, you must do what is stated on the boxes and follow the guidelines or recommendations given by authorities such as the Ministry of Health.
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