In brief
- In addition to other coronavirus tests, Dermacare offered the antigen rapid test, which shows a result after around 10 to 15 minutes.
- The test is intended for people without classic coronavirus symptoms; if you have symptoms, contact the 1450 health hotline or your family doctor.
- A positive rapid test must be checked with a PCR test, which is still considered the gold standard.
- The test cost €60, and the report with a photo of the test result was sent by email.
Dermacare has been offering the safe and effective antigen rapid test for several days now, in addition to other coronavirus tests.
The advantages for our clients are obvious:
- Fast and well-rehearsed process
- Simple online appointment booking
- Result a few minutes later
- Test result with an accuracy of 98.98%
- Medically validated report with a photo of the test result by email
- Highest hygiene standards
- Cost: only €60
Family doctors face rapid test chaos
Family doctors may now also carry out the antigen rapid test on a voluntary basis. But sharp criticism is already raining down from many sides. Many family doctors are not sufficiently prepared for antigen rapid tests. In addition, many family doctors face major organisational problems: the phones are ringing off the hook, appointments cannot be given, or not quickly enough, and in many cases the rapid tests have not yet been delivered to the practices. Even the Austrian Medical Association (ÖAK) is currently criticising antigen rapid tests at family doctors' practices. In most practices the rapid tests cannot be carried out because the space requirements are not met either. For patients without symptoms or category 1 contact exposure, the antigen rapid test at the family doctor is not covered by health insurance at all.
Antigen rapid test at Dermacare: fast, safe and smooth
None of these problems exist at Dermacare. Here, both the organisation and the testing work differently. Our doctors and medical staff already have a lot of experience through our PCR tests and can therefore guarantee a professional and smooth process. We already have the coronavirus rapid tests on site, and we know exactly how to carry out a test safely and quickly. In addition, you will get an appointment in no time and there will be no unnecessary waiting. The best thing to do is to book an available appointment online straight away. Only a few minutes after the test result appears, you will receive your report by email with a photo of the test result. This way you know as soon as possible whether you have been infected with the coronavirus and can protect yourself and those around you quickly and in the best possible way.
Below, we answer the most important questions about the antigen rapid test:
When should you take an antigen rapid test?
The antigen rapid test makes sense if you have no classic coronavirus symptoms but want to be sure that you have not been infected with the coronavirus. Many of our patients take the test, for example, when they want to visit friends or acquaintances who are in a risk group. After only a few minutes you have certainty and, with a negative test result, can visit friends or acquaintances without worry. Companies also use the service to have participants tested shortly before meetings and events.
How does the testing work?
For the antigen rapid test, a sample is taken from the nasopharynx with a swab (cotton bud). This takes only a few seconds. The sample is then applied to a special test cassette and after 10–15 minutes the test result is visible.
What are the differences from the PCR test?
Like the PCR test, the antigen rapid test allows direct detection of SARS-CoV-2. However, the PCR test tests for the corresponding genetic material, whereas the antigen rapid test tests for a specific coronavirus protein. PCR tests require a laboratory and the result is only available after a few hours. Patients are usually informed of the result within 48 hours. By contrast, the antigen rapid test does not require a laboratory and gives a result after about 15 minutes. Antigen rapid tests cannot replace the classic PCR test, but they offer a good and fast alternative.
Can I also come to Dermacare with coronavirus symptoms?
Our antigen rapid test is intended for people and patients without classic coronavirus symptoms. As soon as you notice symptoms such as fever, sore throat or shortness of breath, please contact the 1450 health hotline or your family doctor. You can also pick up a gargle test (PCR) at Dermacare and have it delivered back to us. The sample is then analysed in the laboratory, and within 24 hours you will have certainty about your state of health.
How much does the antigen rapid test cost at Dermacare?
At Dermacare Vienna, the antigen rapid test costs €60.
How reliable is the antigen rapid test?
Our rapid test has an accuracy of 98.98%, is certified and is registered in Austria in the EU register of medical devices. The antigen rapid test therefore fulfils all legal and regulatory requirements for distribution in Austria. Although the accuracy of the tests differs only minimally from the PCR test, the PCR test remains the so-called "gold standard". This means that if the rapid test shows a positive result, a PCR test must be carried out afterwards.
Rapid tests at Dermacare Vienna: safe, fast and affordable
On top of the prevailing organisational chaos at family doctors' practices, they are also only supposed to carry out the tests at special off-peak times. This of course makes booking appointments even more difficult.
We know that if you are not sure whether you have "coronavirus", there is one thing you definitely do not need: chaos in appointment booking and uncoordinated waiting times! Not only should the test be quick, but also the entire organisation, from booking the appointment through the test to the report.
At Dermacare, we have been trained and prepared for coronavirus tests for months, and the antigen rapid tests are already ready in our institute. Many patients have already taken an antigen rapid test in recent days and were extremely satisfied with the whole process. You can make an appointment with us in no time, and a few minutes after the test you will receive your report by email, together with a photo of the test result. The antigen rapid test at Dermacare offers an accuracy of 98.98% and a fast, safe and structured process – for only €60.
