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COVID-19
ANTIGEN RAPID TEST
Our rapid test kits are manufactured to CE-IVD standard
for specific detection of COVID-19
in the body after the onset of infection.
Our test kits produce a qualitative Pos/Neg result within minutes.
ADVANTAGES OF OUR COVID-19
ANTIGEN RAPID TEST KITS
Time and cost efficient over lab methods
Results within 15 minutes
Infection in mild or asymptomatic cases identified
Aid in the control of transmission
CE-IVD Marked for professional use
Facilitates regular & scaled up testing
Easy to use with no specialist equipment
Screen anywhere
The Antigen Rapid Test Kit is a qualitative lateral flow immunoassay test that can detect the virus' antigen in a sample immediately on infection and up to 10 days after infection.
An antigen is the entity causing the illness.
In the case of COVID-19, the antigen is the virus itself, or more specifically the proteins of the virus.
The antigen is detectable earlier than antibodies, an early detection of the disease is possible by identifying these specific viral proteins, developing immediately on infection.
If the COVID-19 antigens are present in the sample, the antibodies will bind to them, after which they will
flow along the strip and bind to a second set of antibodies which are fixed at defined locations on the test
strip.
The window of detection given to COVID-19 antigen and the antibody response is different.
For the antigen, the detection window is similar to conventional nucleic acid tests (such as qPCR).
Detection is possible as early as 2-3 days before symptoms develop and peak the day after symptoms appear.
As both antigen & antibody tests have differing detection windows, combining them can give a clear picture of an individual’s exposure, infection, recovery, and long term
immunity to the virus.
The test consists of a lateral flow immunoassay device. The sample is mixed in a buffer solution, which is
added to the test strip.
The buffer solution allows the sample to flow along the test strip, where it interacts
with antibodies specific for the antigen.
If the COVID-19 antigens are present in the sample, the antibodies will bind to them, after which they will flow along the strip and bind to a second set of antibodies which are fixed at defined locations on the test
strip.
Negative Result:
If the antigen is not present in the sample, then a reaction will occur at the Control Line (C), but no
reaction will occur at the Test Line (T).
The test results are ready to be interpreted.
Positive Result:
Lines detected at both the Test Line (T) and Control Line (C) indicate a positive result.
Control Line:
A line detected at the control line only indicates a negative result. If a control line is not detected, the test is void and should be discarded.
This process takes less than 15 minutes, making the entire test procedure under 20 minutes.
Additionally, multiple test strips can be tested back to back, bringing further efficiency to the process.
ANTIGEN & ANTIBODY COMBINATION TESTING
The test can be used as a companion to the antibody test to increase the window of detection.
As illustrated in the figure below, antigens can be detected at the onset of symptoms (day 0 to 10) and antibodies can be detected later (day 3 onwards).
At this stage it is unknown just how long antibodies
remain in the body and what levels are required for immunity.
However, the illustration shows that effectively
combining antigen and antibody testing is extremely useful in maximising test sensitivity and covering the
entire period of the infection in an individual.
Therefore, the combination of rapid antigen and antibody
tests provides an alternative to PCR for mass screening for COVID-19, especially in the workplace and in wider society.
Effective antibody testing also allows for better understanding of the stage of infection and the longevity of COVID-19 antibodies.
The Antigen test is a useful companion tool in the diagnosis of
COVID-19 and can provide an accurate outlook to patient's exposure, infection, recovery, and long term immunity to the virus.
It also acts as a first line screening test prior to clinical assessment.
