Dubious RTK test results require follow up PCR test: Covid taskforce

The National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control has advised that if a Covid test using a rapid test kit (RTK) produces two lines but tests done by other family members produce just one line, everyone in the family should get a RT PCR test at a Covid test centre, to be absolutely sure of the outcome.
The taskforce issued the advice after such an incident occurred in one family in Vientiane, when one person got two lines using a rapid test kit but three other family members got just one line.
They subsequently went for RT PCR tests, which gave them all a positive result.
Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health’s Communicable Disease Control Department, Dr Sisavath Soutthanilaxay, said that even if an RTK test produces only one line, it doesn’t completely exclude the possibility that you may be carrying the virus.
“If anyone in your family gets a positive result, you must get an RT PCR test to confirm this. And if you have come in direct contact with anyone carrying the virus, that puts you in a high-risk group. This means you are advised to self-isolate.”
A rapid test kit that produces two lines indicates that a person has a high viral load. If the test produces just one line, the person concerned should self-isolate and take an RT PCR test to confirm the result.
Dr Sisavath said some people who use a rapid test kit and get a one-line result do not bother to take sufficient precautions so may spread the virus.
Even though the global death rate from Covid is declining, infection with the Omicron variant remains high, especially in the United States, Europe and India.
In Laos, the number of new cases has fallen to 400-500 each day, but deaths are continuing to occur among elderly people, those who are unvaccinated, and people who go to a hospital when the disease is at an advanced stage.
Lao authorities are taking special precautions to prevent an outbreak of Omicron due to the rise in cases in neighouring countries.
This means that everyone should strictly follow the standard measures on Covid prevention and control. Vaccination is essential to bring down the death rate and protect people against serious illness. 
As of February 1, more than 4.7 million people (64.51 percent) had received a first dose of a Covid vaccine and more than 4 million (55.9 percent) had been fully vaccinated. Laos has recorded 134,438 Covid cases to date, with 551 people dying from the virus.

By Xayxana Leukai
(Latest Update February 2, 2021)