Rapid COVID-19 tests are less sensitive than the RT-PCR tests. This is the conclusion of healthcare group MedLife. Consequently the use of rapid tests can lead to a feeling of false protection and results in the spread of the virus, especially among asymptomatic patients.

MedLife carried out the second stage of its study to assess the sensitivity of rapid tests. The first stage was conducted last year on a sample of 97 people and, in the second phase, MedLife doctors analysed another 1,002 people, reported Romania Insider.

The study indicated that only 53% of all people confirmed positive for COVID-19 infection by RT-PCR tests were also confirmed by rapid tests (28 out of a total of 53 people). Meanwhile, all negative RT-PCR results were confirmed negative by rapid testing. The results thus found a sensitivity of 53% and a specificity of 100% for the sample of 1,099 people.

“The team that conducted the study points out that a sensitivity of 53% in real working conditions translates into the lack of identification of 47 SARS-CoV-2 carriers out of 100, who will continue to spread the virus,” MedLife said.