Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Test
Test basics
The rapid COVID-19 Antigen test is a qualitative in vitro diagnostic test designed for professional use, which detects the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus proteins in the sample allowing an early detection of the infection. The test includes all the necessary material for its use in nasopharyngeal samples.
Antigen detection
Rapid test 15-30 min
Ready-to-use reagents
Economic
Product use
The rapid COVID-19 antigen test is a product designed for in vitro diagnosis and to be performed by a healthcare professional and is especially indicated for:
- Early detection
- Confirmation of infection in patients with or without symptoms
- Confirmation of infection in patients with symptoms and suspected false negative result in PCR
- Obtaining epidemiological data on COVID-19
| Reference | Description |
|---|---|
COVG10S   |
COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test |
FAQ
The antigen tests present very good results, ours in particular have a sensitivity of 91.8-96.4% and a specificity of 97-100%. The results of these tests become almost as reliable as an RT-PCR test during the first days after the onset of symptoms.
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Antigen test
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Antibody test
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Detection of the virus spike proteins
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Detection of antibodies
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Moment of detection
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Early
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Post-symptoms
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Sample analyzed
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Nasopharyngeal swab
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Blood
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Sample extraction
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Through the nasal cavity with the help of the swab
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By puncturing a finger
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Sensitivity and specificity
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88-96% sensitivity* |
91,8-96,4% sensitivity** |
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Completion time
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15 min | 15 min |
*Sensitivity in the first 8 days after infection
**Sensitivity between 7-21 days from the onset of symptoms
Our laboratory recommends the joint performance of the rapid antigen test or PCR and the antibody test if you want to obtain an accurate diagnosis of the patient’s condition. This combination of antigens/PCR + antibodies will tell us what phase of the disease we are in:
- Rapid antigen test or positive PCR: at the beginning of the disease
- Positive antibody test: more advanced stage of the disease
We can highlight 3 advantages over the PCR test
- Quick: the antigen testing time is around 15 minutes, while it takes considerably more time to perform a PCR test.
- Simplicity: as the antigen tests does not require any additional machinery or qualified personnel to carry out the test.
- Cost: considerably cheaper.
Our laboratory recommends the joint performance of the rapid antigen test or PCR and the antibody test if you want to obtain an accurate diagnosis of the patient’s condition. This combination of antigens/PCR + antibodies will tell us what phase of the disease we are in:
- Rapid antigen test or positive PCR: at the beginning of the disease
- Positive antibody test: more advanced stage of the disease
The sensitivity of our antigen tests is 91.8-96.4% and the specificity is 97-100%.
| 1. Collect the mucosa sample through the nasal cavity with the help of a sterile swab. Then the swab is carefully removed. |  |
| 2. Insert the swab into the extraction tube and press in the area indicated by the arrows. Rotate the swab according to the instructions for use and remove it from the extraction tube. |  |
| 3. Place the cap on the tube nozzle and apply the extracted sample to the well of the cassette according to the instructions in the manual. Read the test result in the time indicated in the manual (usually 15-30 minutes). |  |
The rapid antigen test is indicated to be performed during the first days after the onset of symptoms and for asymptomatic people who have had recent direct contact with a person confirmed as positive.
An antigen is a substance that causes the immune system to produce antibodies and trigger the immune response. In this case, it is the spike proteins found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Therefore, the antigen test detects these proteins, whereas when a PCR test is performed, what is detected is the presence of the RNA or genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Our laboratory recommends the joint performance of the rapid antigen test or PCR and the antibody test if you want to obtain an accurate diagnosis of the patient’s condition. This combination of antigens/PCR + antibodies will tell us what phase of the disease we are in:
- Rapid antigen test or positive PCR: at the beginning of the disease
- Positive antibody test: more advanced stage of the disease