One test is not the other. — © rr
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Only a negative PCR test will grant non-vaccinated access to Pukkelpop. The organization hoped that an antigen test would suffice, but that appears to be a vain hope. “A PCR test checks whether the genetic material of the virus is present and is much more accurate than an antigen test.”
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Geert Houben
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Clinical biologist Danny Jamaer of the Center for Medical Analysis in Hasselt has already examined numerous samples for the presence of COVID-19. “A PCR or polychain reaction examines a small piece of RNA or genetic material that is specific to the virus. There is a significantly high chance of finding it if it is in the throat and the collection is done correctly. The research always takes place in a lab, which explains that it does take some time. This is usually faster than 24 hours,” says Jamaer.
“An antigen test only looks for the virus in a more advanced stage, when it has a high viral value. There is a sensitivity of 80 to 90 percent. You will not find it in one in five people. Just consider what this can mean for tens of thousands of visitors to Pukkelpop. In a PCR test, the sensitivity is almost 100 percent,” says Danny Jamaer.
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