Health and Me

Ishita Roy

WHO Approves Two COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests, Check The Details Here

The World Health Organization (WHO) on December 24 prequalified two rapid antigen diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) for SARS-CoV-2. This virus is known to have caused COVID-19. As per the WHO, these two tests are called SD Biosensor STANDARD Q COVID-19 Ag Test and the ACON Biotech Flowflex SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test (Self-Testing). 

At first these tests got temporary emergency approval from the WHO during the pandemic. This was done so the countries could start using them quickly even though long-term data was limited. This emergency approval helped the tests reach over 100 countries when they were urgently needed. 

The WHO has now given these tests full prequalification, which means it has a stronger and long-term approval. This means that the WHO has thoroughly checked and confirmed that the tests consistently meet global standards for quality, safety, and accuracy. 

<ul><li>The tests can now be officially bought and used by global organizations and governments</li><li>They can be included in bulk purchasing to lower prices and increase supply</li><li>This makes reliable COVID-19 testing more affordable and accessible, especially in low-and middle-income countries</li></ul>

Even though WHO officially ended COVID-19 emergency phase over two years ago, the virus is still circulating globally. In fact, this year, we have seen variants of COVID-19 circulating around, causing the most unique symptoms, including razor-blade like throat. Variants like JN.1, Stratus, Nimbus, LP8.1, and BA.3.2 were all that we saw in 2025. 

While the good news is that infection levels are relatively stable, but the virus has not completely disappeared and testing is still necessary, especially in poorer countries. 

Many low-income countries do not have easy access to labs or expensive PCR testing. So there is still a need for a strong, but cheaper and reliable way to detect COVID-19, and these tests may as well do that.

<ul><li>Give results in 15–30 minutes</li><li>Cost less than PCR tests</li><li>Don’t require labs or specialized equipment</li><li>This means they can be used in small clinics, community centers, mobile vans, or remote areas, where lab testing isn’t practical.</li></ul>

However, it is important to note that rapid antigen tests are not replacement for PCR tests. They simply complement the PCR tests by allowing faster, on-the-spot decisions, especially when the lab capacity is limited. 

Rapid antigen tests could help with spotting and stopping local outbreaks quickly, protecting high-risk people and healthcare workers, and staying prepared for future respiratory pandemics.

The WHO is also pushing for decentralized, quality-checked testing as part of universal healthcare and global health security, so countries aren’t caught unprepared when the next outbreak happens.

<h2>When Is It A Right Time To Get Yourself Checked For COVID-19?</h2>

If you notice these following symptoms as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is best that you get yourself a COVID-19 test:

<ul><li>Fever or chills</li><li>Cough</li><li>Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing</li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Congestion or runny nose</li><li>New loss of taste or smell</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Muscle or body aches</li></ul>

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The World Health Organization (WHO) on December 24 prequalified two rapid antigen diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) for SARS-CoV-2. This virus is known to have caused COVID-19. As per the WHO, these two tests are called SD Biosensor STANDARD Q COVID-19 Ag Test and the ACON Biotech Flowflex SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test (Self-Testing). At first these tests got temporary emergency approval from the WHO during the pandemic. This was done so the countries could start using them quickly even though long-term data was limited. This emergency approval helped the tests reach over 100 countries when they were urgently needed. What Has Changed Now?The WHO has now given these tests full prequalification, which means it has a stronger and long-term approval. This means that the WHO has thoroughly checked and confirmed that the tests consistently meet global standards for quality, safety, and accuracy. Why Does This Matter?The tests can now be officially bought and used by global organizations and governmentsThey can be included in bulk purchasing to lower prices and increase supplyThis makes reliable COVID-19 testing more affordable and accessible, especially in low-and middle-income countriesCOVID-19 Is Far From Being OverEven though WHO officially ended COVID-19 emergency phase over two years ago, the virus is still circulating globally. In fact, this year, we have seen variants of COVID-19 circulating around, causing the most unique symptoms, including razor-blade like throat. Variants like JN.1, Stratus, Nimbus, LP8.1, and BA.3.2 were all that we saw in 2025. While the good news is that infection levels are relatively stable, but the virus has not completely disappeared and testing is still necessary, especially in poorer countries. Many low-income countries do not have easy access to labs or expensive PCR testing. So there is still a need for a strong, but cheaper and reliable way to detect COVID-19, and these tests may as well do that.Why Rapid Antigen Test MattersGive results in 15–30 minutesCost less than PCR testsDon’t require labs or specialized equipmentThis means they can be used in small clinics, community centers, mobile vans, or remote areas, where lab testing isn’t practical.However, it is important to note that rapid antigen tests are not replacement for PCR tests. They simply complement the PCR tests by allowing faster, on-the-spot decisions, especially when the lab capacity is limited. What Makes It Essential Today?Rapid antigen tests could help with spotting and stopping local outbreaks quickly, protecting high-risk people and healthcare workers, and staying prepared for future respiratory pandemics.The WHO is also pushing for decentralized, quality-checked testing as part of universal healthcare and global health security, so countries aren’t caught unprepared when the next outbreak happens.When Is It A Right Time To Get Yourself Checked For COVID-19?If you notice these following symptoms as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is best that you get yourself a COVID-19 test:Fever or chillsCoughShortness of breath or difficulty breathingSore throatCongestion or runny noseNew loss of taste or smellFatigueMuscle or body aches