The COVID-19 Antigen Saliva test is intended for use by laypersons and enables self testing at home or other locations. It is a screening test intended for use in the first 7 days of symptom onset and any positive results need to be confirmed by a laboratory. The COVID-19 Antigen Saliva Test is a qualitative membrane-based immunoassay for the detection of SARSCoV-2 antigens in human saliva samples.
What kind of test is a COVID-19 Antigen Saliva test?
The COVID-19 Antigen Saliva test is intended for use by laypersons and enables self testing at home or other locations. It is a screening test intended for use in the first 7 days of symptom onset and any positive results need to be confirmed by a laboratory. The COVID-19 Antigen Saliva Test is a qualitative membrane-based immunoassay for the detection of SARSCoV-2 antigens in human saliva samples.
How does it work?
The COVID-19 Antigen Saliva Test is a lateral flow immunoassay intended for the qualitative detection of nucleocapsid protein antigen from SARS-CoV-2 found in saliva specimens from individuals with symptoms or other symptoms that may suggest a COVID-19 infection.
When the antigen in the sample reaches the Test area (T) of the membrane, it will forms a coloured line. Absence of this coloured line suggests a negative result. A positive result indicates the presence of viral antigens and additional testing is necessary. Positive results do not rule out bacterial infection or coinfection with other viruses.
How do I know that I did the test properly?
A coloured line will appear at the Control Area (C) of the test cassette if the test has been performed correctly. If this line is not visible, then the test has been incorrectly performed and you must run a new test. To obtain accurate results, sufficient sample volume is required. However, do not use visually bloody or overly soggy lollipop saliva swab samples.
What does a negative result mean?
A negative result should be treated as presumptive and does not rule out COVID-19 infection. Negative results should be considered in the context of a patient’s recent exposures, history and the presence of clinical signs and symptoms consisted with COVID-19. NB Tests are lease reliable in the later phase of infection and in asymptomatic individuals.
