Gum Disease
It has been reported that one in three people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, potentially leading to infecting others unknowingly. The benefit of immediate testing on such patients at the point of care is self-evident.
We offer the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen test within our practice which allows for results within 15-30 minutes. In addition to our strict infection control procedures and patient screening, regular weekly staff testing (our entire team have received vaccinations), this rapid test should help make you feel more relaxed and comfortable when making your next dental appointment with us.
About the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test
Roche SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test is also known as the Lateral Flow test. The test uses a simple device to detect the presence of the specific antigen of SARS-CoV-2 in the sample taken from the patient’s back of the nose (without the need for specialized and costly laboratory equipment).
This test is simple to administer at the point of care and provides results within 30 minutes with a very good performance: Sensitivity 96.52* and Specificity 99.68%**, according to Roche.
*Sensitivity: the ability of a test to correctly identify patients with a disease
**Specificity: the ability of a test to correctly identify people without the disease
How the test will be performed?
SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test will be administered by using a nasal swab, inserting the collected sample into a special buffer tube and mixing it with liquid in the tube, applying three drops of the extracted sample to the test device and reading the results within 30 minutes.
The test will be performed by a clinical team member to asymptomatic patients 30 minutes before the scheduled dental appointments (subject to availability) in a designated consulting room, where patient will remain until the test result is ready.
We will record all test results (negative, positive, invalid) in your clinical records and will, of course, follow strict Infection Control, Disinfection and Decontamination procedures and will wear appropriate PPE at all times.
Common Questions
Is it compulsory to have SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test before my dental appointment?
No. The test is optional and, of course, would be administered to any asymptomatic patient that requests it. Should you choose to have a test, please let us know at the point of booking and ensure you can arrive 30 min. before your scheduled dental appointment.
How much does the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test cost?
We are offering the LFD test to asymptomatic patients before the appointment at a minimal cost of £25.
What if I get a positive result?
If the test is positive, we will provisionally reschedule your appointment and ask you to book a PCR test and self-isolate together with your household in line with government guidelines.
Please make advanced arrangements for returning home by means that could avoid using public transport, in case you have a positive test result.
If the test result is negative, we will escort you to the surgery for your treatment. If the result is invalid, we will repeat the test.
Is the test suitable for symptomatic patients?
Lateral flow antigen testing is not suitable for symptomatic patients, who should instead access PCR testing through the normal access routes and book a free test on and self-isolate, together with their household, in line with government guidelines.
Should I use SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test if I had a positive COVID-19 PCR result in the last 3 months?
No, you should not use the LFD test for 90 days after your positive PCR. This is because the LFD may give a false positive reading, resulting in unnecessary further testing and self-isolation for you and your household.
Should I use SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test if I have had a positive antibody result in the last 12 months?
At present, it is not known if a positive Covid-19 antibody test result represents immunity to infection, and if so, for how long. It has been postulated that those who have previously had Covid-19 may retain immunity for 5-9 months. Therefore, we would advise that you can have the Rapid Antigen test.
