[Explanation] On March 11, the National Health and Medical Commission released the "New Coronavirus Antigen Detection Application Plan (Trial)", which reads: Community residents who have self-testing needs can use retail pharmacies, online sales platforms and other channels, Purchase antigen detection reagents for self-testing.
For this release, reporters interviewed experts to make interpretations.
[Explanation] At present, for the detection method of the new coronavirus, in addition to the common nucleic acid detection, antibody detection can also be done.
So, what does an antigen test detect?
[Concurrent] Li Taisheng, Director of the Department of Infectious Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital
Strictly speaking, both antigen detection and antibody detection belong to a component that targets the virus in the human body after our virus infects the human body, called antigen for short. If the immune response produced by the human body is called antibody, then nucleic acid is the equivalent of a virus.
[Explanation] Li Taisheng introduced that antigen detection has the advantages of convenience and speed, and can be used as a supplement to nucleic acid detection.
[Concurrent] Li Taisheng, Director of the Department of Infectious Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital
Nucleic acid testing must first go to the hospital, and there is a queue to go to the hospital. The fastest time is two hours, usually 4 to 6 hours, and it requires a regular hospital, and the equipment is quite expensive.
[Explanation] The reporter inquired about the official website of some antigen detection kit products. The product introduction shows that the antigen detection does not require instruments, and the results can be obtained in 10 minutes.
[Explanation] However, Li Taisheng also emphasized that antigen testing is more prone to "false negatives" than nucleic acid testing, so it can only be used as a supplement to other new coronary pneumonia inspection methods such as nucleic acid testing and antibody testing.
[Concurrent] Li Taisheng, Director of the Department of Infectious Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital
It is used as a supplementary method for nucleic acid detection. It cannot be used as a positive (sex) diagnosis, because it is less sensitive than our nucleic acid detection virus, which means that it may not necessarily be detected when nucleic acid is detected. come out.
[Explanation] As of 24:00 on March 11, 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps reported 588 new confirmed cases and 1,173 new asymptomatic infections, involving multiple regions.
Li Taisheng believes that it is in such specific circumstances that it is appropriate to use more means to help prevent and control the epidemic.
[Concurrent] Li Taisheng, Director of the Department of Infectious Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital
Under the current circumstances, how to achieve scientific protection, how to achieve accurate zeroing, how to detect faster, more accurately, and then more convenient?
In this case, we need more technological means to help us improve our existing methods.
[Explanation] Li Taisheng said that the method of rapid self-testing of antigens has been used in other infectious diseases before, and it has also been used in the detection of new coronavirus abroad, so it is feasible.
[Concurrent] Li Taisheng, Director of the Department of Infectious Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital
In recent years, we have also launched AIDS self-testing in China, including in the world. You can test yourself at home. The easiest way is to prick your finger with a needle and drip a little blood, or you can use your saliva. There is a tick in the gums, or even urine, and then you put it in a box, and he will give you (results).
[Explanation] The reporter checked the website of the State Food and Drug Administration and found that the new coronavirus antigen detection kits produced by many companies have been approved.
According to the plan, primary medical and health institutions, quarantine observers and community residents are all suitable for antigen testing.
Reporter Wen Mengxin reports from Beijing
Responsible editor: [Lu Yan]