TEST FOR OMICRON Flashcards
Does this mean the possibility that lateral flows can’t pick up omicron but PCR can?
Yes. They show up differently on PCR. The PCR test detects two genes, the delta varient both genes come out positive. With Omicron one of the mutations disrupts the PCR test for one of the genes, its called “s gene drop out.”
This is one of the reasons that Omicron has been so easy to track and also cheaper to track. The PCR test is FAR cheaper than the genetic sequencing needed to track the previous variants. Delta will return + on both genes. Omicron only one.
So can LFD be trusted if potentially have Omicron variant? Concerning if not.
Yes. It will return a + LFT (this has been tested and established). LFT are most accurate during active infection so if being used for screening prior to an event it should be taken immediately before the event. Not the day before etc
The LFT work by picking up the spike antigen. So a + LFT means there’s active viral replication ongoing and active infection. Meaning the positivity window for an LFT is narrower than a PCR but when used properly they are very accurate.
Most LFT use N (nucleocapsid), not Spike as a target.
