How was that with the rapid tests?

Similar to the masks: tough until their introduction, but then hello!

In fact, the uncomplicated, often dirt cheap virus detection with antigen tests that can also be used at home has become almost as commonplace as the face mask.

But just like these, everyone would like to get rid of the annoying test obligations again.

How far we are as a society from this future - vaccination or not - can be seen from the discussions of the past few days about travel and especially about the reopening of schools and daycare centers after the summer holidays.

Joachim Müller-Jung

Editor in the features section, responsible for the “Nature and Science” section.

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The antigen tests, which are now an integral part of the national test strategy, are at the center of this. But how much longer? In any case, the competition is growing. Completely new population-wide test strategies are coming to light, in some cases radical approaches such as those of a Berlin group led by the former director at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and initiator of the German human genetics project, Hans Lehrach (see interview below).

But also very banal statistical reasons speak against the massive use of antigen tests: In the case of low case numbers, as is currently the case, the significantly lower sensitivity compared with the PCR analyzes - the gold standard for direct virus detection - clearly speaks against the antigen tests. Because of the so-called pre-test probability, there is a risk of many false-positive results with the rapid tests. This not only increases frustration when the PCR test required for checking still gives the all-clear. Overall, there is a threat of growing distrust in the test strategy - and it is also undisputedly a waste of resources.

In the 26th Epidemiological Bulletin of the Robert Koch Institute, a pool process called "Lolli Pool PCR Testing", which is practiced in North Rhine-Westphalia, is propagated nationwide, particularly with regard to daycare and school openings. The swab sticks of a group or class should be tested by PCR twice a week and on the day of the smear. Special test sticks are used, which the children suck for 30 seconds and transfer to a joint test tube with the solution. So all that is needed is one PCR test for the group. The children get another test kit to take home. If the pooled test is positive, the children should be tested individually the next morning and analyzed just as quickly - and isolated if the result is positive. The disadvantage:With increasing incidences, the PCR diagnostic laboratories soon reach their limits with such pool tests.