Description
COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test (Nasopharyngeal Swab)
The COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test (Nasopharyngeal Swab) is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens in nasopharyngeal swab specimens from individuals with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection in conjunction with clinical presentation and the results of other laboratory tests. Results are for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antigens. An antigen is generally detectable in upper respiratory specimens during the acute phase of infection.
Positive results indicate the presence of viral antigens, but clinical correlation with patient history and other diagnostic information is necessary to determine infection status. Positive results do not rule out bacterial infection or co-infection with other viruses. The agent detected may not be the definite cause of disease.
Negative results do not preclude SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions. Negative results should be treated as presumptive and confirmed with a molecular assay, if necessary for patient management. Negative results should be considered in the context of a patient’s recent exposures, history and the presence of clinical signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
The COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test is intended for use by trained clinical laboratory personnel.
Materials
Materials provided | Materials required but not provided |
20 Test cassettes | Timer |
Package insert | |
Extraction Buffer | |
Extraction tubes and tips (Optional) | |
Workstation | |
Sterile swabs |
Directions for Use
Allow the test, extracted specimen and/or controls to equilibrate to room temperature (15-30°C) prior to testing.
1. Remove the test cassette from the sealed foil pouch and use it within one hour. Best results will be obtained if the test is performed immediately after opening the foil pouch.
2. Invert the specimen extraction tube and add 3 drops of extracted specimen (approx.100μl) to the specimen well(S) and then start the timer.
3. Wait for the colored line(s) to appear. Read the result at 15 minutes. Do not interpret the result after 20 minutes.
Figure 1: COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (Nasopharyngeal Swab) steps
Performance Characteristics
The COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test (Nasopharyngeal Swab) has been evaluated with specimens obtained from the patients. RT-PCR is used as the reference method for the COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (Nasopharyngeal Swab). Specimens were considered positive if RT-PCR indicated a positive result. Specimens were considered negative if RT-PCR indicated a negative result.
Nasopharyngeal Swab Specimen
COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test | RT-PCR | Total | ||||||||||||
COVID-19 |
|
| ||||||||||||
Total | 43 102 | 145 |
COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test | Results |
Relative Sensitivity | 97.7% (95%CI*: 87.7%~99.9%) |
Relative Specificity | 99.0% (95%CI*: 94.7%~99.9%) |
Accuracy | 98.6% (95%CI*: 95.1%~99.8%) |
*Confidence interval
Summary
The novel coronaviruses belong to the β genus. COVID-19 is an acute respiratory infectious disease. People are generally susceptible. Currently, the patients infected by the novel coronavirus are the main source of infection; asymptomatic infected people can also be an infectious source. The main manifestations include fever, fatigue and dry cough. Nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, myalgia and diarrhea are found in a few cases.
Principle
The COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test (Nasopharyngeal Swab) is a qualitative membrane-based immunoassay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antigens in human nasopharyngeal swab specimen. SARS-CoV-2 antibody is coated in the test line region. During testing, the specimen reacts with SARS-CoV-2 antibody-coated particles in the test. The mixture then migrates upward on the membrane by capillary action and reacts with the SARS-CoV-2 antibody in test line region. If the specimen contains SARS-CoV-2 Antigens, a colored line will appear in test line region as a result of this. If the specimen does not contain antigens to SARS-CoV-2, no colored line will appear in the test line region, indicating a negative result. To serve as a procedural control, a colored line will always appear in the control line region, indicating that the proper volume of specimen has been added and membrane wicking has occurred.
Reagents
The test contains anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody as the capture reagent and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody as the detection reagent.
Storage and Stability
Store as packaged in the sealed pouch at room temperature or refrigerated (2-30°C). The test is stable through the expiration date printed on the sealed pouch. The test must remain in the sealed pouch until use. DO NOT FREEZE. Do not use beyond the expiration date.
Specimen Collection, Transport and Storage
Specimen Collection
1. Insert a sterile swab into the nostril of the patient, reaching the surface of the posterior nasopharynx.
2. Swab over the surface of the posterior nasopharynx.
3. Withdraw the sterile swab from the nasal cavity
Figure 2:Schematic representation of Specimen Collection
Specimen Transport and Storage
Specimens should be tested as soon as possible after collection.
If swabs are not been processed immediately, it is highly recommended the swab sample is placed into a dry, sterile, and tightly sealed plastic tube for storage. The swab specimen in dry and sterile condition is stable for up to 8 hours at room temperature and 24 hours at 2-8°C.
Specimen Preparation
Only the extraction buffer and tubes provided in the kit is to be used for swab specimen preparation.
1. Place the swab specimen in the Extraction tube with Extraction Buffer (approx. 350μl). Rotate the swab for approximately 10 seconds while pressing the head against the inside of the tube to release the antigen in the swab.
2. Remove the swab while squeezing the swab head against the inside of the Extraction tube as you remove it to expel as much liquid as possible from the swab. Discard the swab in accordance with your biohazard waste disposal protocol.
*Note: The storage of the specimen after extraction is stable for 2 hours at room temperature or 24 ours at 2-8°C.
Interpretation of Results
Please refer to Figure 1.
Result | Description |
POSITIVE* | Two distinct coloured lines appear. One colored line should be in the control region (C) and another colored line should be in the Test region (T). Positive result in the Test region indicates detection of SARS-COV-2 antigens in the sample. *NOTE: The intensity of the color in the test line region (T) will vary based on the amount of SARS-COV-2 antigen present in the sample. So any shade of color in the test region (T) should be considered positive |
NEGATIVE: | One colored line appears in the control region (C). No apparent colored line appears in the test line region (T). |
INVALID: | Control line fails to appear. Insufficient specimen volume or incorrect procedural techniques are the most likely reasons for control line failure. Review the procedure and repeat the test with a new test. If the problem persists, discontinue using the test kit immediately and contact your local distributor. |
Quality Control
Internal Quality Control
Internal procedural controls are included in the test. A colored line appearing in the control region (C) is an internal positive procedural control. It confirms sufficient specimen volume and correct procedural technique. A clear background is an internal negative procedural control. If the test is working properly, the background in the result area should be white to light pink and not interfere with the ability to read the test result.
External Quality Control
Positive/negative controls are not included in this kit. However, in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) positive/negative controls are recommended.
Limitations
No. | Description |
1. | The test Procedure and the Interpretation of test Result must be followed closely when testing for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antigens in the human nasopharyngeal specimens from suspected individuals. For optimal test performance, proper sample collection is critical. Failure to follow the procedure may give inaccurate results |
2. | The performance of the COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (Nasopharyngeal swab) was evaluated using the procedures provided in this product insert only. Modifications to these procedures may alter the performance of the test. Viral Transport Media (VTM) may affect the test result; extracted specimens for PCR tests cannot be used for the test. |
3. | The COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (Nasopharyngeal swab) is for in vitro diagnostic use only. This test should be used for detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antigens in human nasopharyngeal specimens as an aid in the diagnosis of patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection in conjunction with clinical presentation and the results of other laboratory tests. Neither the quantitative value nor the rate of increase in the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 antigens can be determined by this qualitative test. |
4. | The COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (Nasopharyngeal Swab) will only indicate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 Antigens in the specimen and should not be used as the sole criteria for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infectionsxt |
5. | The results obtained with the test should be considered with other clinical findings from other laboratory tests and evaluations. |
6. | If the test result is negative or non-reactive and clinical symptoms persist. It is recommended to re-sample the patient a few days later and test again or test with a molecular diagnostic device to rule out infection in these individuals |
7. | The test will show negative results under the following conditions: The concentration of the novel coronavirus antigens in the sample is lower than the minimum detection limit of the test. |
8. | Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in those who have been in contact with the virus. Follow-up testing with a molecular diagnostic should be considered to rule out infection in these individuals. |
9. | Excess blood or mucin on the swab specimen may interfere with test performance and may yield a false positive result. |
10. | The accuracy of the test depends on the quality of the swab sample. False negatives may result from improper sample collection or storage |
11. | Positive results of COVID-19 may be due to infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains or other interference factors. |
Disclaimer
While we believe this kit is to be an effective indicator of infection we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy so the patient should still be advised to follow government guidelines for those exhibiting symptoms and those who aren’t regarding hygiene, self-isolation and other measures even if the test is negative.
- Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in those who have been in contact with the virus. Follow-up testing with a molecular diagnostic should be considered to rule out infection in these individuals.
- Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection or to inform infection status.
- Positive results may be due to past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E.
- This kit is for Professional-Use-Only.