Authorities: "Rapid Antigen Tests Have Accuracy Limits... Accepting Risk of False Negatives"

Medical staff are conducting rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 using samples collected at a temporary screening clinic set up in Seoul Plaza, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Starting from the 3rd of next month, the nationwide eligibility for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing will be restricted, and unless you are in the priority testing group, you must first take a rapid antigen test, which is somewhat less accurate than PCR. Authorities explained that although there are limitations in accuracy, this measure is unavoidable considering the surge in testing demand.

On the morning of the 27th, Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said in an interview on MBC's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' that "there is definitely a limitation in that the accuracy of rapid antigen tests is lower compared to PCR tests," adding, "Negative results are relatively accurate, but there are quite a few false positives." Regarding the risk of false negatives, Son added, "It means we are currently willing to accept that level of risk."

The quarantine authorities began transitioning to the Omicron response phase with restrictions on PCR testing eligibility in Gwangju, Jeonnam, and Pyeongtaek and Anseong in Gyeonggi Province, where Omicron dominance occurred first. Following the Lunar New Year holiday, from the 3rd of next month, they plan to initiate this transition nationwide. As a preliminary measure, from the 29th, rapid antigen self-test kits will be distributed free of charge at screening clinics nationwide.

Once this system transition is implemented, PCR testing at screening clinics and temporary screening centers will be applied only to high-risk groups (priority testing groups). Only those aged 60 and above, epidemiologically linked individuals, those with a doctor's note indicating the need for a COVID-19 test, individuals who test positive on self-test kits or rapid antigen tests, and workers in infection-vulnerable facilities can visit screening clinics without additional procedures to receive PCR testing immediately. Son explained the background of this transition by saying, "As the number of confirmed cases increases significantly, testing demand will surge."

If you are not in the priority testing group, you can receive a PCR test only if you test positive on a rapid antigen test. The positive result must come from a self-test kit distributed at screening clinics or purchased independently, or from a professional rapid antigen test conducted at respiratory clinics, etc.

Regarding concerns about additional infections due to COVID-19 testing being conducted at general medical institutions such as respiratory clinics or local hospitals, Son said, "We are creating models such as structurally separating waiting areas or scheduling different time slots for hospitals where this is difficult," adding, "Local clinics that cannot implement these measures will not be able to participate in diagnostic testing at all." He clarified that mandatory participation is not being required for these hospitals, stating, "We are providing appropriate compensation and recruiting institutions to take on roles accordingly, distributing guidelines, and discussing this together."

Meanwhile, concerning the shortage controversy of self-test kits, he said, "The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, along with related ministries, is managing distribution and production volumes, focusing on domestically produced kits," adding, "Considering the current production volume, there should be no major problems." Son also stated that if phenomena such as price surges or hoarding are detected, management will be strengthened immediately.