Are COVID rapid tests still reliable with new sub-variants on the rise? What experts say
Global News
Experts say COVID-19 rapid testing can still be considered as an adequate tool to detect the virus – even if they are not perfect all the time.
As new COVID-19 sub-variants move across Canada, experts say rapid tests can still be considered an adequate tool to detect the virus – even if they are not perfect all the time.
“These tiny, tiny changes in sub-variants matter a lot in terms of the biological activity of the virus and its ability to escape our immune system, but rapid antigen tests aren’t nearly so easily fooled,” Colin Furness, infections control epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s faculty of information, told Global News.
Rapid tests do have a tougher time recognizing specific spikes COVID-19 sub-variants create, but they’re still able to identify the virus itself, Furness explained. However, there are things to keep in mind in order to get an accurate result.
When you test matters a lot as different variants of the virus produce different viral loads, Furness said.
“Now, it’s pretty hard to get a positive test when symptoms begin; usually you have to wait a few days,” said Furness.
“You can also have a negative test and still be infected, simply because you’re not contagious or not contagious enough to trigger a positive test.”
Swabbing not only your nose but your throat is the best way to properly test and get an accurate result amid swirling sub-variants, according to Furness.
Rapid tests detect a part of the virus called the nucleocapsid protein, according to Samantha Yammine, a science communicator in Ontario.
Elections Alberta has approved the proposed referendum question, 'Do you agree that the province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?'
Quebec's police watchdog says Nunavik officers exchanged gunshots with an individual outside a home after they were called about a person who allegedly posed a danger to others.
Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation said it's planning to open an experience centre in the new year for fans to get a behind-the-scenes look at Scotia Place.
Bourbon maker Jim Beam is halting production at one of its distilleries in Kentucky for at least a year as the whiskey industry navigates tariffs from the Trump administration.
The rate of flu hospitalization in Canada has nearly doubled compared to the previous week of available data, with infections now up almost 30 per cent, Health Canada data shows.
Mark Wiseman will take over as Canada's ambassador in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 15, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office said in a statement.
Loto-Québec says the $1-million prize for a Lotto 6/49 winning ticket is still unclaimed, and time is running out.
Crosby broke Lemieux’s franchise scoring record with a goal and an assist in the first period of the Penguins’ 4-3 shootout win against the Canadiens on Sunday night.
Experts warned this saving grace for the economy is at risk in 2026 as North American trade officials prepare for a review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico agreement, or CUSMA.
Ontario's police watchdog agency says it is investigating the circumstances of a 58-year-old woman's death in Toronto after it says she fell from a hotel balcony.
Differential pricing refers to a practice where people can be charged different prices for the same grocery product from the same store.
The Parole Board of Canada ruled Said Namouh was not ready for parole.
The U.S. Coast Guard is pursuing another sanctioned oil tanker accused of helping Venezuela evade U.S. sanctions, as pressure mounts on vessels tied to its shadow fleet.