The Da Nang Department of Health has issued guidance for using rapid antigen testing to curb COVID-19 infections. Along with vaccination, testing remains one of the most effective ways to track and reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Under the health agency’s guidance, rapid antigen tests are used for early detection of positive cases or confirmation of recovery from COVID-19. There are two tests available – a PCR test (Polymerase Chain Reaction Test) and a rapid antigen test, which detects acute infection of the virus - where you might infect others you come in contact with.

You will be diagnosed with COVID-19 if you get a positive result from a PCR or rapid antigen test. COVID-19 testing is required to be performed by healthcare professionals. If you don’t have symptoms but have had close contact with someone with COVID-19, you must get a rapid antigen test within 14 days after exposure. Your positive test result from a rapid antigen test needs to be confirmed through a PCR test.

COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms or without symptoms who are eligible for home recovery programme can end their self-isolation with a negative test taken after 10 days of treatment and quarantine. You must have proof of a negative result from a rapid antigen test performed by healthcare professionals or a self-test under close monitoring of healthcare workers. You must use COVID-19 test kits approved by the Ministry of Health.

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with no underlying health conditions will be eligible for discharge if they get negative result from a rapid antigen test or PCR test and give a test with a high Ct value >30 (low viral load).

COVID-19 recoveries must self-monitor their health at home or their places of residence for 7 days from the discharge date as well as check their body temperature twice a day. If your body temperature rises above 38°C in 2 consecutive measurements or develop any abnormal symptoms, you should contact with your local healthcare facility to seek medical advice and get PCR tests. Strict observance of the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health is compulsory for you during home quarantine.

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with underlying health conditions will be confirmed to make a full recovery from COVID-19 if they get negative result from a rapid antigen test or PCR test and give a test with a high Ct value >30 (low viral load).

Such recoveries will be then transferred to other ward for the treatment of their underlying disease if needed, and they should be put in a separate room for further treatment. Body temperature measurements of these patients will be conducted twice a day, and they are required to follow the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health during their stay in the hospital.

If you get a positive result from self-tests, you should contact with your nearest healthcare facilities for seeking medical advice and requirements.

The Da Nang Center for Disease Control and Prevention is working closely with  medical centres at district and communal levels to conduct rapid antigen tests for vulnerable and high risk groups, people in high-risk settings, those in local locked down areas, production facilities, COVID-19 contacts, and suspected cases in a bid to find all cases and curb the spread of the virus. COVID-19 helplines of 7 district medical centers and 56 medical stations in wards and communes will be published widely to provide support for those who need it.

Reporting by PHAN CHUNG – Translating by H.L