Symptoms Are Like COVID-19... Frustration Over Negative Rapid Antigen and Self-Test Kit Results

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[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] As cases continue to emerge where individuals with COVID-19 symptoms such as low-grade fever, sore throat, and cough receive ‘negative’ results from rapid antigen tests and self-test kits, public anxiety is growing. This is because a negative result means they cannot receive a free polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, making it difficult to confirm an accurate diagnosis.

On the 4th, Baek (32), a parent, said, "I had a severe headache and took rapid antigen and self-test kits twice, but both were negative. A few days later, as symptoms persisted, I obtained a doctor’s note at a hospital and took a PCR test, which came back positive."

Since the 3rd of last month, health authorities have instructed that rapid antigen tests be taken first unless the individual is high-risk, such as those aged 60 or older or close contacts. However, if a doctor’s note is provided, free PCR testing is available at screening clinics. As it has become harder to get PCR tests, a post appeared on a mom caf? in the metropolitan area asking, "I want to get a PCR test. Please recommend hospitals that write doctor’s notes well."

Office worker Kim (36) said, "I had a persistent phlegmy cough and tested negative on a self-test kit, but two days later, I tested positive. Since I didn’t know how long the COVID-19 incubation period was, I had to keep self-diagnosing and continue additional testing." Another office worker, Choi (35), said, "Even though I had a fever and severe sore throat, both rapid antigen and self-test kits were negative, which was confusing. Eventually, feeling very ill, I paid 130,000 won for a PCR test the next day, which was positive."

Some people delay testing due to long PCR test waiting times. Jang (33) said, "I tried to get tested near my workplace, but the screening clinic line was too long, so I planned to get tested the next day. Since I’m not positive, I’m working normally, but I worry that I might unknowingly be spreading the virus to those around me."

There are also cases of disputes with hospitals over doctor’s notes. A nurse working at a hospital in Gangnam said, "There are too many cases where people ask for a doctor’s note to get a PCR test even though they tested negative. Each time, we have to check their symptoms again, and it’s difficult to issue the note."

The government acknowledges the limitations of rapid antigen tests but maintains that they cannot replace PCR tests. Son Youngrae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, stated on the 15th of last month, "Rapid PCR tests are used in emergency rooms, but there are significant limitations in increasing their supply, so expanding their use is difficult."

Professor Kim Wooju of Korea University Guro Hospital said, "Even those under 60 should prioritize PCR testing if they have underlying conditions, are pregnant, infants, or unvaccinated. People in their 20s and 30s with symptoms should also get PCR tests to prevent further spread." He added, "Since there can be an incubation period, even if a rapid antigen test is negative, it is appropriate to consider symptomatic individuals as potential transmitters."