Antigen Rapid Test ( ART ) Frequently Asked Questions for individuals.

1. What is Antigen Rapid Test ( ART )

Antigen Rapid Test ( ART ) looks for the proteins from the virus while Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test detects nucleic acid (RNA), the genetic material of the virus. It is a point-of-care test and complementary test for COVID-19 which will be able to diagnose COVID-19 quickly.

2. Do I need Antigen Rapid Test ( ART )

Antigen Rapid Test (ART) is now being used in Singapore for:

1. Pre-event testing
2. Companies for their workforces as rostered routine test (RRT).
3. Predeparture test for certain countries. However, PCR swab still remains as gold standard for most of the countries.
4. Rapid test for patients with respiratory tract infection symptoms or fever.

3. How Antigen Rapid Test ( ART ) different from Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test

Antigen Rapid Test ( ART ) looks for the proteins from the virus while Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test detects nucleic acid (RNA), the genetic material of the virus.

	Antigen Rapid Test ( ART )	Polymerase Chain Reaction ( PCR )
Advantages	Short turnaround time No laboratory equipment required Cheaper	Gold standard Almost 100% accurate
Disadvantages	Less accurate	Long turnaround time More expensive

4. What is the minimum age for Antigen Rapid Test ( ART )

There is no minimum age for Antigen Rapid Test ( ART ) tests.

5 .What documents do I need for Antigen Rapid Test ( ART )

You will need proof of identity such as NRIC/FIN/Passport.

6. When should I get the Antigen Rapid Test ( ART )

1. For pre-event testing: The validity of your COVID-19 test result is 24 hours from the time you were registered in-person at the testing premise. In short, at most 24 hours before the end of your attendance at the event, business, or activity.
2. For symptomatic patients: at the earliest onset of your symptoms.

To book an appointment, please click here

7. How is the Antigen Rapid Test (ART) done

It is a nasal swab which involves swabbing of the nostrils. Which is usually more tolerable than the PCR swab.

8. What happens if the Antigen Rapid Test ( ART ) is positive?

If you come in for respiratory tract infection, antigen Rapid Test ( ART ) and PCR will both be offered to rule out COVID infection.

If you come in for pre-event testing ( PET ), should the test result be positive, you will be required to do a confirmatory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test to determine if it is a genuinely positive case. Quarantine will be necessary before PCR result is out.

9. Can I walk in without scheduling an appointment for the Antigen Rapid Test ( ART )?

Yes, you are encouraged to book an appointment beforehand so that we can serve you promptly.

10. What is the cost of the Antigen Rapid Test ( ART )? Are there other charges?

AsiaMedic CHI Antigen Rapid Test ( ART ) is charged at $50.00 exclusive of GST. There are no other charges involved.

Should the test result be positive, you will be required to do a confirmatory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test (charge at $160 (excluding GST) for individual or $140 per individual for group of two and more) to determine if it is a genuinely positive case.

11. Can I have a hard copy of the Antigen Rapid Test ( ART ) results?

Yes, you can request a copy of the Antigen Rapid Test ( ART ) results free of charge at our clinics.

12. Can I use Antigen Rapid Test ( ART ) for Pre-Departure COVID-19 Testing?

Antigen Rapid Test ( ART ) is useful for pre-event testing for events such as business-to-business events, wedding receptions, live performances, and sports events.

Some countries are now accepting the Antigen Rapid Test ( ART ) as a Fit-to-Fly certification, as long as a negative result is returned. It depends on the country you are traveling to.

Please check with the respective airline / destination country to confirm.