The nasal sample taken for the self-test, authorized Tuesday afternoon, is shallower (3-4 cm) and less unpleasant than the classic nasopharyngeal sample.

It can be used by asymptomatic people over 15 years of age in the context of restricted use in the private sphere.

Self-tests on a nasal swab to detect infection with the Covid-19 virus can be used by people without symptoms over the age of 15, according to the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS).

Any positive antigenic self-test must then be confirmed by an RT-PCR test, which also makes it possible to characterize the variant present, she said on Tuesday.

This new tool completes the arsenal of screening, and gives results in "20 to 30 minutes," said Prof. Dominique Le Guludec, president of the health authority.

The result is visualized as for a pregnancy test.

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Self-tests are already available in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and for a few days in England, noted Dr Mathieu Carbonneil of the HAS.

The nasal sample taken for the self-test is shallower (3-4 cm) and less unpleasant than the nasopharyngeal sample for conventional RT-PCR tests.

What support ?

The HAS is in favor of paying for these self-tests "within the framework of medical screening actions" with, for example, the provision of self-tests.

But it is not for the HAS to comment on a possible support for their private use, according to Dominique Le Guludec.

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These antigenic self-tests can be used by asymptomatic people over 15 years of age in the context of restricted use in the private sphere (for example, before a meeting with relatives, etc.).

The rapid self-test on a nasal sample "should ideally be carried out the same day or, failing that, the day before the meeting".

"There are no efficacy data in children under 15," noted Dr Carbonneil.

Confirmation required

These self-tests can be used in a medical indication in addition to existing screening methods: in asymptomatic people over 15 years of age, as part of repeated targeted screening on a large scale as an alternative to RDT / TROD (rapid diagnostic test or test rapid diagnostic orientation) antigens on nasopharyngeal or nasal swab (shallower).

The choice between TDR / TROD and autotest depends on the method of organization of the screening and the willingness and ability to carry out the test themselves of the persons to be screened.

The rapid TROD / TDR nasal swab tests, which can be used in particular in asymptomatic patients over 15 years of age as part of repeated screening, for example in high school and college students, should also be tested. confirmation by nasopharyngeal RT-PCR test and variant search.

The HAS is in favor of their coverage by Health Insurance in this medical indication, among others.