The rapid tests are generally considered less accurate - though much faster - than higher-grade genetic versions.
A plan to roll out 120 million rapid-diagnostic tests for coronavirus to help lower and middle-income countries make up ground in a testing gap with richer countries has been agreed.
The World Health Organisation and leading partners are to go ahead with the project despite it not being fully funded yet.diagnostic tests which cost $5 each. The programme initially requires $600m and is to get started as early as next month to provide better access to areas where it is harder to reach with PCR tests that are often used in wealthier nations.The rapid tests look for antigens, or proteins found on the surface of the virus. They are generally considered less accurate - though much faster - than higher-grade genetic tests, known as PCR tests.PCR tests require processing with specialised lab equipment and chemicals.
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said:"These tests provide reliable results in approximately 15 to 30 minutes, rather than hours or days, at a lower price with less sophisticated equipment.
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