Antigen tests detect proteins specific to a virus that appears in infected individuals, which indicates active infection. Rapid antigen testing is beneficial because of their portability, ease-of-use, and swift time to result.
The extraction buffer includes components to dissociate viral proteins from their surfaces to be used as a target for the test. The method of the extraction buffer is used to prepare the test sample by dissolving the virus shell, which also deactivates the virus.
The test kit includes an extraction buffer that is used to prepare the specimen for testing purposes. The extraction buffer IS NOT transport media and should not be used to preserve or transport specimens.
Can the test be used with alternative specimen types such as nasal swabs or any specimen contained in viral transport media?
The Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Test is for direct nasopharyngeal swab specimen only. The test can only be used with the swab provided in the kit.
The specimen should be tested immediately after collection. The specimen can be retained up to 1 hour following collection if immediate testing of specimens is not possible. Dispose of the specimen and recollect if retained for more than 1 hour.
The device should never be frozen. If refrigerated, allow the test kit components to reach room temperature before use.
Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly those who have been in contact with the virus. Follow up testing with a molecular diagnostic test should be considered to rule out infection in these individuals.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a newly discovered coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. For most people, it causes mild to moderate symptoms and they’ll recover without needing treatment. But some people may become seriously ill, especially those with underlying health conditions.
COVID-19 is mainly caught by breathing in droplets an infected person spreads when they cough or sneeze. It can also be caught by touching infected surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
If you have COVID-19 and are self-isolating you can ease your symptoms by:
- getting lots of rest
drinking plenty of water
taking paracetamol to lower your temperature.
If your symptoms get worse it’s important you get medical advice, either by calling your GP or ringing NHS 111.
There’s no specific treatment available for COVID-19. But care you receive in hospital will help relieve symptoms and support your body in its fight against the virus.
Because COVID-19 can cause varied symptoms or even no symptoms at all, it’s difficult to diagnose without testing. Testing can also help the government understand the levels of the virus around the country.