rapid test

[ˈræpɪd tɛst]
nounpl: rapid tests
teste rápido
1. A diagnostic test that produces results quickly, typically within minutes to a few hours, without requiring laboratory analysis
The doctor used a rapid test to check for COVID-19 at the clinic.
O médico usou um teste rápido para verificar COVID-19 na clínica.
2. A medical screening procedure designed for speed and convenience, often performed at point-of-care settings
Rapid tests for influenza are commonly available in pharmacies.
Os testes rápidos para gripe estão comumente disponíveis em farmácias.
3. A diagnostic tool that provides preliminary results without the need for sending samples to a laboratory
The rapid test came back positive, so we scheduled a confirmatory PCR test.
O teste rápido deu positivo, então agendamos um teste PCR de confirmação.
Rapid tests became prominent in mainstream vocabulary in Brazil and globally during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2023). They are widely accessible in pharmacies, clinics, and private testing centers across Brazil and represent a shift toward point-of-care diagnostics. In the USA, rapid tests are a standard tool in emergency care, urgent care, and retail pharmacy settings. The term is culturally significant as it represents democratization of health testing outside traditional laboratory settings.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
quick testpoint-of-care testantigen testscreening test
Antonyms / Antônimos
laboratory testconfirmatory testmolecular test

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
teste rápido
Standard term used across Brazil for quick diagnostic tests
Rio de Janeiro
teste rápido
Commonly used; some locals may also use 'teste de antígeno rápido'
São Paulo
teste rápido
Standard usage in medical and pharmacy contexts
Portugal
teste rápido
Widely used term; also 'teste de antígeno rápido' for antigenic rapid tests

Related Words

PCR testantigen testantibody testdiagnostic testcoronavirus testswab test

Related Idioms & Phrases

rapid test kit
at-home rapid test
take a rapid test
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