CORONAVIRUS ANTIGEN RAPID TEST KIT
The new coronavirus antigen test kit is a lateral flow immunoassay for the qualitative detection of SARS-COV-2 antigen (nucleocapsid protein) in upper respiratory samples with nasal swabs or saliva during the acute phase of infection. An uncut sheet format is available.
FEATURES
15-minute rapid detection Easy-to-operate coronavirus antigen test Less-invasive nasal (NS) swab sample collection CE-IVD marked Available in 1/2/5/20 tests/box
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Our coronavirus Ag test kit was independently evaluated at Centro Diagnostico Delta S.r.l. in Italy between October 2020 and January 2021. A total of 107 positive specimens were tested with COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kit. These specimens were collected from patients who are suspected of COVID-19 with nasal swabs. The coronavirus antigen test kit’s sensitivity and specificity are compared against a CE-IVD marked RT-PCR test kit. This clinical evaluation is conducted under the assumption that SARS-CoV is no longer spreading in the community.
According to the clinical analysis of 492 samples, the detection sensitivity is 98.13%, and the specificity is 99.22%. Positive Percent Agreement (PPA) = 105/107 (98.13%) (95%CI: 93.4%~99.8%) Negative Percent Agreement (NPA) = 382/385 (99.22%) (95%CI:97.7%~99.8%) Accuracy = (105+382)/492×100%=98.98% Kappa = 2×(105×382-3×2)/(108×385+107 ×384) = 0.97＞0.5 The limit of detection (LOD) of this product is 1.6 x 102 TCID50/mL, calculated through a gradient dilution method.
COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Principle
The coronavirus antigen rapid test kit is a lateral flow assay that qualitatively detects the presence of nucleocapsid (N) protein in upper respiratory samples (nasal swabs). This lateral flow assay is designed with the sandwich immunoassay format. When the specimen is added onto the sample pad of a test cassette, coronavirus N protein binds with colloidal gold-labeled SARS-CoV-2 N protein antibody to form an antibody-antigen (Ab-Ag) complex. The Ab-Ag complex is captured by SARS-CoV-2 N protein antibody (Rabbit monoclonal antibody) when migrating to the test line under capillary action. A red-colored band will appear on the test line, which indicates the specimen is COVID-19 nucleocapsid protein positive. No color band will appear on the test line if the specimen does not contain any coronavirus antigen (N protein), or the antigen level is below detection limit.
The conjugation pad also contains colloidal gold-labeled chicken IgY, which is captured by Goat anti-chicken IgY on the control line as procedural control. A colored band on the control line represents the proper liquid flow through the cassette; the absence of a colored band on the control line indicates insufficient sample or buffer volume.
COVID-19 Antigen Test Procedure
Twist off the cap of the buffer bottle, carefully dispense all buffer into the extraction tube.After collecting upper respiratory sample with nasal swab, insert the swab into the extraction tube, plunge the swab up and down in the fluid for a minimum of 10 seconds. Hold the swab against the bottom of the tube, rotate three turns. DO NOT splash liquid out of the tube. Remove the swab while squeezing the sides of the tube to extract the liquid from the swab. Press the nozzle cap firmly onto the extraction tube. Mix thoroughly by swirling or flicking the bottom of the tube. Gently squeeze the tube’s rigid body, dispense two (2) drops of the buffer-specimen mixture into the sample well on the coronavirus antigen test cassette.Read the test results between 15 and 20 minutes.Do not read the results after 20 minutes.
Interpretation of Test Results
NEGATIVE: A colored band appears on the control line (C line); no colored band shows up on the test line (T line). A negative result indicates there is no coronavirus antigen (N protein) in the specimen, or the level of coronavirus antigen is below the detection limit.POSITIVE: A colored band appears on the control line (C line), a second colored band shows up on the test line (T line). A positive result indicates the presence of COVID-19 antigen (N protein) in the patient sample. INVALID: No colored band appears on the control line (C line). An invalid test result suggests there might be insufficient buffer volume or incorrect operating procedures. Carefully review the test procedure and test the same patient again with another coronavirus antigen rapid test cassette. Contact your distributor if the problem persists.
