MoPH updates covid-19 testing protocol and approves new tests for private healthcare sector

A health worker wearing protective gear collects a nasal swab for a Covid-19 PCR test

The Ministry of Public Health has updated its Covid-19 testing protocol and approved antibody and antigen tests to be performed in the private healthcare sector. The latest Covid-19 testing protocol means that approved private healthcare centers are now authorized to perform two new tests - rapid antigen testing and antibody testing – in addition to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing that the private sector has been performing through the Covid-19 pandemic. Rapid antigen testing offers a fast and reasonably accurate screening test to detect Covid-19 virus antigens in the individual. The test can be used for a range of uses including triaging patients with respiratory symptoms presenting to clinics, prior to preforming minor procedures and prior to hospital admission for minor procedures. Rapid antigen testing requires a nasal swab to be taken from the individual and the results are usually available within 15 minutes.