15mins Reading Covid POCT Covid-19 2019-NCoV Antigen Rapid Test Kit Nasal Oral Swab

15mins Reading Covid POCT Covid-19 2019-NCoV Antigen Rapid Test Kit

INTEND USE OF ANTIGEN RAPID TEST
The rapid test kit is used for qualitative determination of novel coronavirus (SARS-CcV-2) antigen in human nasal swab samples in vitro.. This kit is offered to clinical laboratories and healthcare workers for point-of-care testing, and not for at home testing, in compliance with Section IV.D. of the FDA’s Policy for COVID-19 Diagnostic Test.

MAIN COMPONENTS
• Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test Cassette.
• Extraction Tube.
• Extraction Reagent.
• Nasal/Oral Swab.
• Working Holder.

HOW TO PERFORM THE ANTIGEN RAPID TEST?

1. Remove a Test Device from the foil pouch by tearing at the notch and place it on a level surface.

2. Holding Extraction Reagent bottle vertically, add 10 drops (400μL) to the Extraction tube.

3. Insert the nasopharyngeal (and oropharyngeal) swab sample(s) into the extraction solution, then, mix the swab 10 times.

4. Remove the swabs while pressing against the solution tube in order to extract most of the specimen

5. Place the dropper cap and drop 3 drops (60~70μl) into the sample well.

6. Read the result in 10-15 minutes. Do not read results after more than 20 minutes.

Something you need to learn about:
1) What is the difference between an antigen test and a molecular test?
An antigen test detects specific proteins on the surface of the virus. These tests are quicker and less expensive, but have a higher chance of missing an active infection, according to the FDA.
A molecular (PCR or polymerase chain reaction) test detects the virus’s genetic material. These tests require a more complex technology to get results, and it usually takes a day or two to get those results (depending on lab capacity, results may take up to a week).
If an antigen test shows a negative result and you have reason to believe you may have the virus (because of symptoms or exposure), your doctor may order a molecular test to confirm the results.

2) Which tests are more accurate?
No test is 100% accurate, but the molecular tests are considered to be more accurate than the antigen tests, according to available research.
According to the FDA, an antigen test cannot “definitively rule out active coronavirus infection,” but positive results are “highly accurate” (negative results may require a confirmation test).
Harvard Medical School wrote in August that the reported rate of false negatives with molecular testing is as low as 2% and as high as 37%. A molecular test using a deep nasal swab will have fewer false negative results than samples from throat swabs or saliva, they say.
For antigen testing, Harvard noted that the reported rate of false negative results can be as high as 50%, but that the FDA has granted emergency use authorization for a more accurate antigen test.
In general, some of the issues that may affect the accuracy of a test include ineffective swabbing, contamination or mishandling of the sample, or problems with the testing chemicals, according to the FDA.

3) Who must be tested for COVID-19?
As per the Minister’s Directive: COVID-19: Long-Term Care Home Surveillance Testing and Access to Homes (Minister’s Directive) effective January 8, 2021, all staff, student placement and volunteers working in long-term care homes must be tested regularly in accordance with the Minister’s Directive, unless the exception for individuals who have previously had laboratory confirmed COVID-19 applies. The testing requirements in the Minister’s Directive include all individuals working in long-term care homes who are: • Staff as defined in the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007 • Volunteers as defined in the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007 • Student placement, meaning any person working in the long-term care home as part of a clinical placement requirement of an educational program of a college or university, and who does not meet the definition of “staff” or “volunteer” under the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007. The Minister’s Directive also includes additional testing and documentation requirements for general visitors, caregivers and support workers.