COVID-19 Rapid Tests

Sorting Price descending

More filters Less filters

Prevent Sample Mix-Ups

Whether in classrooms, testing centres, or medical practices, conducting multiple COVID-19 tests at the same time always carries a risk of sample mix-ups. With label printers from the renowned manufacturer Brady, you can minimise this risk quickly and easily.

Discover Here

COVID-19 Rapid Tests

Testing is essential to detect an infection with SARS-CoV-2. Three types of tests are available: PCR tests, antibody tests, and antigen tests. While PCR tests must be conducted in a laboratory, antigen and antibody tests can be performed directly at the point of care with minimal time investment. Both types of rapid COVID-19 tests deliver results within 10 to 15 minutes.

Our online shop offers a wide range of high-quality COVID-19 tests. They are distinguished by high sensitivity and specificity. Many of the rapid tests we offer are listed on the European Union Health Security Committee’s list of COVID-19 antigen tests, making them eligible for reimbursement under statutory health insurance. In addition to professional rapid tests for trained personnel, we also provide rapid self-tests for home use, approved by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). These tests can be used by private individuals without prior instruction to detect an acute COVID-19 infection.

For reliable use, it is important to ensure that any selected antigen rapid test can detect currently circulating virus variants and subvariants. Most of the current COVID-19 rapid tests already cover the latest Omicron variant Eris as well as the new Pirola variant.

Antigen Rapid Tests

Antigen tests are used for the direct, qualitative detection of coronaviruses. They react to viral proteins in the patient sample and provide a positive result in cases of acute COVID-19 infection. Sample material is usually collected from the nasal and throat area, but some tests can also be performed using nasal swabs or saliva samples.

Almost all antigen tests in this category detect the known Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Lambda, and Omicron variants. In particular, the Omicron variant first identified in South Africa is considered highly contagious and concerning due to its greater number of mutations compared with other variants. Some of these mutations enhance the virus’s ability to enter cells, increasing the risk of infection.

Sample Collection

Tilt the patient’s head slightly backward and gently insert the swab into the nostril, advancing it into the nasal cavity until it reaches the surface of the posterior nasopharynx. Carefully roll the swab 3–4 times, leave it in place for a few seconds, and then slowly withdraw it from the nasal cavity.

Preparing the Sample Material

Place the swab into the tube containing the extraction solution and rotate it 5 times. Then, press the swab against the sides of the tube to release the sample. Seal the tube securely and dispense the specified amount of sample (according to the test instructions) into the sample well of the test cassette.

Reading the Test Result

After approximately 15 minutes (please refer to the instructions for use), the result can be read. A coloured line in the control area (C) and no line in the test area (T) indicates a negative result. If two coloured lines appear – one in the control area (C) and one in the test area (T) – the result is positive, and a PCR test should be carried out for confirmation.

SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Tests Using Nasal Swabs

Collecting nasopharyngeal swab samples is often uncomfortable for patients and can trigger unwanted reflexes such as sneezing or coughing, which may interfere with sample collection. To make testing more comfortable and easier to perform correctly, most manufacturers now offer antigen tests that can be conducted using nasal swab samples.

With a nasal swab, it is not necessary to insert the swab all the way to the nasopharynx – a depth of around 2–4 cm is sufficient to collect the required material. It is particularly important to follow the instructions carefully.

Thanks to this gentle testing method, nasal SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests are particularly suitable for children, elderly patients (e.g., in care homes), people with disabilities, and for patients who require frequent testing.

COVID-19 Self-Tests

Changes to the medical devices supply regulations regarding in-vitro diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 paved the way for layperson self-tests at the start of 2021. In late February 2021, the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) issued the first special approvals for SARS-CoV-2 rapid tests that can be carried out by laypeople without assistance. Shortly afterwards, around early March, antigen self-tests for home use became available for private users.

Most home tests are performed using samples from the front of the nose. This ensures that the test can be carried out independently by anyone and significantly reduces the risk of injury compared with swabs taken from the posterior nasopharynx.

Benefits of COVID-19 Rapid Self-Tests

COVID-19 tests that can be performed by the individual themselves offer numerous advantages, not only in private settings but also in workplaces, schools, and public institutions. While testing previously required specially trained personnel, limiting the number of tests due to time constraints, now anyone can carry out the test independently – from sample collection to result interpretation. This allows a large number of people to be tested in a short period of time.

Gentle sample collection from the front of the nose is another key benefit, especially when testing needs to be performed regularly. Thanks to this painless and much more comfortable swabbing method, many individuals are more willing to carry out a self-test.

Rapid Antibody Tests

Antibody tests are used to detect a past COVID-19 infection. By analysing a blood sample, this rapid test provides an indirect detection of the virus through the measurement of IgG and IgM antibodies. These tests can only be used 4 to 7 days after infection, as this is when measurable antibody production begins. Consequently, acute COVID-19 infections cannot be detected using these tests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our COVID-19 Rapid Tests

Do the rapid tests detect the different COVID-19 mutations, including the Omicron variant?

Most of the rapid tests we offer detect the known variants such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. The Omicron variant, first identified in South Africa and considered highly contagious, is reliably detected by antigen rapid tests from Abbott, Clungene, Nal von Minden, Siemens, and Roche. Subvariants such as Eris and the new Pirola variant are also detected.

How long does it take to get the result from my COVID-19 rapid test?

The duration depends on the type of test and the manufacturer. The antigen-based SARS-CoV-2 rapid tests we offer are typically read after 15–30 minutes, while IgG/IgM and neutralising antibody rapid tests can be read after 10–20 minutes.

Can the result still be read after the recommended time?

No, the test result should not be read after the manufacturer’s specified time, as this may lead to inaccurate results.

What should I consider when buying antigen tests for detecting an active COVID-19 infection?

When purchasing antigen tests, three quality factors are particularly important. First, check the sensitivity and specificity, which indicate the reliability of the test—the higher the values, the more trustworthy the result. Ensure that the test either has CE certification or is listed with the BfArM, confirming that it meets all minimum requirements and is reimbursable under the German COVID-19 Test Regulation (TestV). It is also important that the chosen antigen test has been evaluated by the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut and compared with other rapid tests.

What should I consider when performing COVID-19 antigen self-tests?

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for correct and reliable testing. Check all test components for possible damage. If the test cassette or swab packaging is damaged, do not use it, as this can lead to inaccurate results. Also, the ambient temperature affects test reliability—too low a temperature can affect specificity, and too high can affect sensitivity. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended temperature range and use a timer to strictly adhere to the specified reaction time.

Are positive self-tests for COVID-19 mandatory to report?

If a self-test result is positive, the person is not legally required to report it to the local health authority. However, it is strongly recommended to confirm a positive result with a PCR test and self-isolate until the result is confirmed to minimise the risk of virus transmission.

Important note: Professional antigen tests performed exclusively by trained personnel are mandatory to report if positive, unlike self-tests.

What are the advantages of COVID-19 antigen rapid tests?

The main advantage of antigen tests is the short time required to obtain results. While PCR tests are more accurate, they take hours or days to produce a result and are more costly. For routine testing in companies, schools, healthcare facilities, public institutions, or at home, PCR testing is less practical. Rapid tests allow regular, cost-effective, and resource-efficient testing, enabling early detection of infections. The more people tested, the lower the risk of virus transmission, as infected individuals can adjust their behaviour early and avoid spreading the virus to others.