Negative RAT but still have Covid symptoms? Here’s what could be happening

You think you may have Covid, but after taking a RAT, you are still negative despite your symptoms. What is happening?

Many people have reported dubious test results, so the good news is that you are not alone. The good news is that you may have Covid. Prof Martiniuk is an epidemiologist. As cases soar and people scramble to keep their families safe, she has been receiving many questions about RATs.

Despite their lower accuracy, RATs are still vital detection tools thanks to their accessibility.

If you have Covid, you have a 75% chance of being tested. Compare that to the ones that are 99%. There is a big gap there.

As we enter a new stage of the Pandemic, the lower sensitivity of the tests isn't too much to worry about, because missing some cases a day won't affect overall health outcomes too much.

You can get the best out of your RATs by avoiding common mistakes and following important tips.

Which RAT should I use?

There are many different tests on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Martiniuk recommends that only approved tests are used in Australia.

Different brands of RATs have different levels of accuracy. All of the approved tests sold in Australia are rated in terms of their sensitivity by the TGA. A good way to make sure your tests are correct is to check the list.

There are three types of tests that the TGA supports. There is no clear-cut pattern of which test is most effective, according to Dr Martiniuk. She suggests looking for a brand name test.

Some saliva tests have high rankings, but most of the tests have a very high sensitivity.

Did I do my test wrong?

RATs can be administered through the mouth or through the nostrils. Martiniuk says one of the most common mistakes is not reading the instructions carefully.

It's important to read the fine print. The instructions for most tests include the number of swabs, the method of swabbing, and where to take the sample.

The motto is low and slow. Some pharmacies give supervised RATs.

Make sure your RATs are kept in a dry place.

My RAT is negative, but I am sure I have Covid

If you have symptoms or have been in close contact, the best thing to do is test again. Multiple tests will increase your chance of getting a correct result.

If you do a test on the day of contact, it may result in a negative test because of the Omicron incubation period. Martiniuk encourages everyone to report their positive RATs online or by phone. It helps keep track of the case numbers, but it also connects you to health services.

Is it a negative that you feel sick but Covid negative? Here is the reason for the Full Story podcast.

If you have a negative RAT and have symptoms, then I would recommend that you get a PCR.

I have isolated for seven days, what should I do now?

There is no requirement to leave isolation in all states. High-risk places such as aged care facilities and hospitals should be avoided for at least the next three days.

A negative RAT on the seventh day is required to leave isolation in SA.

If you still have symptoms after seven days, it is best to remain in isolation until at least 24 hours after your symptoms have resolved.

Martiniuk recommends telling people who you spent time with from the two days before you started having symptoms or the two days before you tested positive. If you are going to get a vaccine, you should wait about four to six weeks to give your body time to recover.