While PCR testing can identify Omicron infection, research is being conducted to see whether the Covid-19 variant of concern has any effect on other test types, according to the WHO on Sunday.
“The widely-used PCR tests continue to detect infection, including infection with Omicron, as we have seen with other variants,” WHO said in an update about the new variant.
“Studies are ongoing to determine whether there is any impact on other types of tests, including rapid antigen detection tests.”
The WHO classified Omicron, discovered earlier this month in southern Africa, a threat on Friday. The categorization placed Omicron among the universally dominant Delta and its weaker rivals Alpha, Beta, and Gamma.
Global border closures and further restrictions were reported on Sunday as Omicron spread around the world.
The strain has placed doubt on global attempts to fight the pandemic, causing governments to reimpose safeguards they had thought were no longer necessary.
The WHO stated it was “not yet clear” if Omicron spreads more readily or induces more severe illness than other strains.
“There is currently no information to suggest that symptoms associated with Omicron are different from those from other variants,” the UN health agency said.
While early data show a higher likelihood of reinfection with Omicron in those who previously had Covid, data is limited. The WHO said it was studying the variant’s influence on current countermeasures, including vaccinations.
“WHO is coordinating with a large number of researchers around the world to better understand Omicron,” it said. “More information will emerge in the coming days and weeks.”
