According to a new survey conducted through Wakefield Research on behalf of Roche Diagnostics (SIX:RO, ROG) (OTCQX: RHHBY), two in 3 Americans are baffled by the differences between polymerase chain reaction tests, or PCR, and immediate antigen tests. — the two main types of tests to diagnose respiratory infections. They also don’t know when to use them.
However, at least a quarter of respondents, many of whom are parents, know that the PCR test is the most accurate in detecting the virus that causes COVID-19. Adults with young children in their family fared better, with 33% detecting PCR. Check as the correct kind answer.
Flu antivirals are maximally effective within two days of symptom onset. COVID-19 antivirals are likely to be effective within five days of symptom onset if symptoms are present.
Confidence in the PCR test also varies among other demographic teams and the composition of the family circle, according to the survey. A majority of Gen Z respondents (85%) say the PCR test is not the most accurate test, compared to 71% of millennials, 69% of Gen Xers and 72% of baby boomers.
Many respondents (79%) also believe their doctor may request a diagnostic test if they have the flu, COVID-19, or RSV. It is true that multiplex PCR tests can identify more than one disease with a single swab. Most doctors’ offices, hospitals, and laboratories will be offering a wide diversity of verification responses as needed.
Here are some tips on how to differentiate between PCR and immediate antigen testing:
Rapid antigen checks are useful when effects are needed quickly. Tests can be administered in a doctor’s office, at a control center, or from the comfort of your home. They provide a response in about 20 minutes. However, an immediate antigen test probably wouldn’t find the virus that causes COVID-19 as soon as a PCR test. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends confirming the effects of PCR testing or serial antigen testing for a negative antigen test, due to the prospective threat of false negatives.
“Although respiratory viruses have classically had a definite seasonality, they can cause year-round illness,” Deeter said. . “
Learn more about the test features of the year in this downloadable and shareable infographic. Visit go. roche. com/respiratoryseason to learn more about how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
The omnibus survey measured the perceptions of 1,000 nationally representative adults 18 and older and was conducted online Nov. 4-13, 2022. The generations are explained as follows: 18-25 years for Generation Z; 26-four1 years for millennials; four2-four7 years for Generation X; and 58-76 years for baby boomers. Results are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the point of the percentages expressing the results. or less than 3. 1 percentage points of the result that would have been received if interviews had been conducted with all other people in the universe represented through the sample.
In popularity of our efforts to take a long-term attitude in everything we do, Roche has been named one of the most sustainable companies in the pharmaceutical industry through the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for the 13th consecutive year. This difference also reflects our efforts for access to health with local partners in all the countries where we work.
Genentech, in the United States, is a full member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder of Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan.
For more information, www. roche. com.
Roche Diagnostics U. S. Media Relations U. S. Krystina Monaco(317) 850-7521krystina. monaco@roche. com
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SOURCE Roche