Sold in pharmacies and supermarkets from 2.9 euros (about R$ 18.4), self-tests for the detection of Covid-19 are already part of the daily life of those who live in Portugal.
Authorized since March 2021, they are increasingly sought after by the population. From work meetings to get-togethers between friends, there are many invitations that already come with an indication of presenting at least one negative self-test.
In the week before Christmas, Portuguese pharmacies sold more than 1.3 million self-tests for SARS-CoV-2.
Although home tests are less sensitive than laboratory tests, several public health experts consider them to be an important tool to help identify positive cases, especially in the current context of rapid contagion.
Self-tests are not yet authorized in Brazil, but there are already several entities that are asking for authorization to be used in the country.
This week, the Portuguese government expanded the possibilities for official use of self-tests. They are now also accepted for participation in large events – with more than 5,000 people –, as long as they are made at the time of entry and in the presence of a responsible employee.
In Portugal, the record number of infected with the new coronavirus, together with the obligation to present a negative result in various situations (such as visits to nursing homes and participation in major cultural and sporting events) has put pressure on the testing system in the country.
The country, which has 10.3 million inhabitants, surpassed for the first time, this Wednesday (12), the mark of more than 40 thousand new cases in 24 hours.
As a result, the demand for self-tests also continues to accelerate. Many stores have limited the sale of tests to up to five units per customer.
The low price and easy access to rapid tests in Portugal already attract attention in other countries.
Portuguese cities close to the border tend to have a large influx of Spanish customers looking for the tests. In the neighboring country, the same kits can cost almost triple the price.
Brazilians residing in Portugal also report contacting friends and family with “orders” to carry self-tests in their suitcases when they go to Brazil.
LESS SENSITIVE
Despite the success, doctors and specialists point out that self-tests are less sensitive than PCR-type tests, especially in people without symptoms.
“They don’t avoid all situations, but there are many situations that are detected [com o autoteste]”, says public health specialist Bernardo Gomes, in an interview with the newspaper Eco.
Therefore, in case of doubts, even with a negative result, the recommendation is to adopt isolation measures.
In Portugal, in case of a positive result for Covid-19 in the self-test, the orientation is to call the official line of the SNS (National Health System, the Portuguese SUS). The mandatory isolation period for mild or asymptomatic cases is currently seven days.
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