What Is An Antigen Rapid Test Kit?

An antigen Rapid Test Kit for Covid19 is used to detect antigens present in or on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. An antigen is a foreign substance that elicits an immune response from the human body. The test kit is targeted for use outside a laboratory setting to provide a quick, convenient test to determine whether a person has been infected with the Covid19 virus. These tests are relatively reliable, portable, easy to administer and provide results within 15 to 30 minutes and will enable an expansion of testing ability, particularly in countries that do not have extensive laboratory facilities or trained health workers to perform molecular, polymerase-chain reaction (PCR), tests.

The antigen rapid test kit is not only faster, but is less expensive than laboratory test kits and provides the ability to massively increase the number of tests performed to enable tracking of people carrying the virus. Testing is critical in implementing an effective COVID-19 response by enabling countries to trace and contain the virus before the roll-out of vaccines once they become available. Effective testing strategies rely on a variety of test types that can be used in different settings and situations. Molecular testing was available a month of the virus was identified but these tests require laboratory facilities and trained personnel to conduct them. Antigen tests that detect the virus at the point of care are faster and cheaper and are a vital addition to the testing process and that will help to contain and fight COVID-19.