During this era of COVID-19, one must know the test we use for testing and diagnosing COVID-19. One of those tests is the Antigen Test. Antigen Test is a quick diagnosis of active infection and only takes 15 to 30 minutes to give the result. You can find antigen tests at handstation.co.uk.
The nucleocapsid protein antigen of the SARS-Cov-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19, can be detected from nasal swabs or other similar clinical specimens using COVID-19 antigen tests. Antigens are substances that induce the body’s immune system to respond by producing antibodies. These tests use antibodies manufactured in the lab to look for antigens caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
How to Conduct an Antigen Test?
The testing of antigens is an appropriate test against COVID-19, particularly in people who exhibit COVID symptoms.
Coronavirus proteins can be identified in the throat and mouth using an antigen test. Firstly, a sample is prepared. The sample can be taken from the patient’s nose or throat. After that, you need to apply this sample to a testing strip that already has a tiny line of antibodies that are specific to SARS-CoV-2 put on it. To understand how to properly use the test to get the most accurate results, please contact your physician or refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The antibodies on the testing strip, like the antibodies in your body, will attach to any antigen in the sample. If the antibodies can bind to the coronavirus antigens, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 will be indicated on the test strip by the appearance of a colored line.
Although this test is easier and quicker to conduct, it has less sensitivity than the PCR test, which is the gold standard for the diagnosis of Covid-19.
Possible Outcome of Antigen Test
There are three possible outcomes or results of the antigen test.
- Negative
- Positive
- Void antigen
Negative Test
If your COVID-19 Antigen test came out negative, it indicates that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was not present in your body at the time of the test and that you did not have it.
Negative antigen test findings do not necessarily mean that a person is infection-free. You are strongly encouraged to maintain your social distance and cleanliness procedures if you feel any symptoms of coronavirus.
Positive Test
If you have a positive result for the COVID-19 Antigen test, you are probably carrying the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This indicates that not only are you in danger of having COVID-19 yourself, but you also have the potential to spread the virus to other people.
Void Antigen Test
If your antigen test is void, it suggests the test was invalid. The testing kit is almost always at fault when there are void results. In this case, one must again conduct the confirmation test.
When to Go for an Antigen Test?
If you have coronavirus symptoms like cough, flu, fever, shortness of breath, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, etc. You must go for a Covid-19 antigen test to avoid any serious outcomes in the future.
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