A false reassurance : Health officials caution against widespread use of rapid antigen tests
Supermarket chain LIDL made headlines on Thursday when it announced it will stock rapid antigen testing kits in its stores. By Cónal Thomas Tuesday 11 May 2021, 6:00 AM Tue 6:00 AM 17,766 Views 45 Comments
Image: Shutterstock.com
Image: Shutterstock.com
SUPERMARKET CHAIN LIDL made headlines last week when it announced it will begin stocking rapid antigen testing kits in its stores.
It prompted public health officials like Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan to sound a warning about using these kits, which are less reliable than PCR tests.
While Government acknowledges that antigen testing is an additional measure in combating Covid-19, it is not a substitute for following public health advice, Holohan said.
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Mel B, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell and Melanie C of The Spice Girls performs on the first night of the bands tour at Croke Park on May 24, 2019 in Dublin, Ireland (Image: Dave J Hogan)
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It comes as there s a split among health experts over the usage of home antigen tests after Lidl started to sell packs of five last week.
The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan is warning people against using them, while immunologist Luke O Neill has praised the retailer and says the HSE should have issued guidance on their usage.
Leitrim people urged not to buy supermarket Covid tests
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The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan says people should not use shop-bought Covid testing kits.
Last week, NPHET warned people about antigen tests being sold by supermarket chain Lidl. Lidl started selling packets of the tests in its stores last week for €24.99 for five tests.
May stores were sold out of the tests last weekend.
NPHET says the tests are less reliable than those used by medical staff. Dr Tony Holohan is urging the public to avoid using tests sold in shops altogether.
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