COVID-19

COVID-19 Testing
Diagnostic tests are used to detect presence of the virus, therefore is indicative of a current infection. This type of test usually involves the assessment of a nasal or throat swab. The technology for diagnostic test includes molecular and antigen method.

• Molecular tests, also known as RT-PCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) test, detects genetic material from the virus. Molecular tests are typically performed in a laboratory setting.

• Antigen tests detect specific proteins from the virus. Antigen test can be performed on an automated laboratory instrument or as a rapid test which typically requires no laboratory equipment, making the latter well suited for use in any setting.

Antigen tests
These tests are used to detect a current infection by identifying SARS-CoV-2 antigens, which are viral surface proteins that cause an immune response.

Antigen tests involve the assessment of a nasal or throat swab which can either be performed in a clinical laboratory, on specific equipment that typically provides the results in hours, or by using a simple, rapid test format, which typically requires no laboratory equipment, providing results within 15 minutes (assay dependent).

Rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing is a simple but useful tool to support swift identification of individuals with current infection, allowing faster deployment of contact tracing measures to help limit the spread of the infection. These tests are simple to use, requiring no specialised training or equipment to run supporting their use in any setting such as near patient, workplace, school, etc.

We can offer 2 different rapid antigen tests to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid protein antigen using nasal or nasopharyngeal (NP) swab. These simple-to-use antigen tests deliver rapid result within 15 minutes, without any laboratory equipment. In clinical comparison with PCR methods these tests have shown a sensitivity of 96% and 92% respectively with a specificity of 99%.