Covid-19 antigen rapid tests

Rapid tests are not only suitable for use in the medical environment, but they can also be used in various kinds of public institutions.

To minimise the risk of infection transmission, Corona antigen rapid tests can be performed directly on site. Chains of infection can be broken more effectively, since people with undetected Corona infections are particularly responsible for spreading the virus. In case the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been detected, the affected person or group may be immediately sent to quarantine. In addition to the rapid antigen tests that are performed with nasopharyngeal swab material, there is also a test that is more convenient, especially for children. The Joinstar COVID-19 antigen rapid test enables non-invasive sampling with oropharyngeal saliva, sputum or stool.

Personal protective equipment should always be used when performing a test to reduce the risk of possible transmission of infection.

Test procedure of a Covid-19 antigen rapid test with nasopharyngeal swab material

First, all test components should reach room temperature. Then all components should be prepared for the test procedure (according to the instructions).

Collection of sample material

Tilt the patient's head back slightly and gently insert the swab through the nostril into the nasal cavity. Carefully rotate the swab  3-4 times, leave the swab  for a few seconds and slowly remove it from the nasal cavity.

Preparation of sample material

Put the swab into the tube with the extraction reagent and rotate the swab back and forth 5 times. Now squeeze the swab out by pressing the sides of the tube together. Close the tube tightly and place the specified amount of sample material (according to the instructions of the test) into the sample well of the test cassette.

Interpretation of test result

The test result can be interpretated after approximately 15 minutes. One coloured line in the control region (C) and no line in the test region (T) indicates a negative result. If two coloured lines (in control region C and in test region T) appear, the result is positive and should be confirmed by an additional PCR test .