China incorporates antigen detection into COVID-19 testing

Baku, March 13, AZERTAC

China has added antigen detection as an option for COVID-19 testing among the public, the National Health Commission said Friday, according to Xinhua.

Antigen detection results can now be used in screening for COVID-19 infection, while nucleic acid test results are still decisive for diagnosis, according to a trial antigen-detection action plan issued by the commission.

Community residents can purchase antigen-detection reagents through drug stores or online platforms and perform self-testing, the plan states.

This new approach is aimed at boosting the early discovery of COVID-19 cases, it states.