By Sue-Ann Wayow
SINCE antigen testing began in Tobago on Friday, 171 antigen Covid-19 tests have been conducted.
Medical Chief of Staff at the Scarborough General Hospital Dr Victor Wheeler said that it is hoped that by the end of June at least 400 antigen tests would be done.
He was speaking at the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development virtual press conference on Thursday.
The Division’s Secretary Tracy Davidson-Celestine added that while the Division would be willing to test as many persons as possible, “If people do not come forward, there will be no one to test.”
Dr Wheeler said PCR testing was still being conducted especially at the hospital but the antigen testing was a cheaper and quicker alternative to the standard PCR test and was an asset in the boosting of testing capacity.
Dr Wheeler had previously said the antigen testing will be matched against a PCR test at least in the initial stages.
Covid-19 response team member for the County Medical Office of Health Dr Anthony Thompson, who previously indicated that test result time was lengthy because some tests had to be sent to Trinidad said with the introduction of the antigen testing, results will be produced at a much faster rate but some samples may still be sent for further verification to Trinidad specifically for gene testing
