How Does the SARS-CoV-2 + FLU A/B + RSV+ADV Combo Rapid Test Kit Work?
Measures and restrictions against COVID-19 have kept SARS-CoV-2 and many other viruses at bay for more than two years. After the recent removal of these measures, experts worldwide are urging caution against the simultaneous circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and various other viruses characterized by winter or all-year around the seasonal pattern. The challenges posed by the increasing circulation of viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and adenovirus (ADV) alongside SARS-CoV-2 bring about a growing need for rapid, accurate, innovative, and convenient diagnostic devices for the differential diagnosis of these infections. Therefore, multiplex assays such as our SARS-CoV-2 + FLU A/B + RSV+ADV Combo Rapid Test Kit offer unique and extensive public health and infection management advantages. Read along to learn more about the principle of the SARS-CoV-2 + Flu A/B + RSV + ADV Combo Rapid Test Kit, its procedure, and its advantages.
What is the principle of the SARS-CoV-2 + FLU A/B + RSV+ADV Combo Rapid Test Kit?
The SARS-CoV-2 + FLU A/B + RSV+ADV Combo Rapid Test Kit is a rapid antigen test in lateral flow format. Rapid antigen tests deliver results in 15 to 20 minutes by checking for pathogen-specific proteins in the collected specimen. Antigen detection has been widely used to diagnose a wide range of pathogens, including influenza, malaria, monkeypox disease, HIV, and Salmonella. The SARS-CoV-2 + Flu A/B + RSV+ ADV Combo Rapid Test Kit is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the simultaneous qualitative detection of antigens specific to SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and adenovirus (ADV) in human nasopharyngeal samples.
The SARS-CoV-2 + Flu A/B + RSV+ ADV Combo Rapid Test Kit involves multiple sets of antibodies to target a commonly expressed protein for each of these viruses. As the processed sample flows along the surface of the kit via capillary flow, these antibodies bind and capture the viral antigens that may be present in the sample. The use of labeled antibodies enables the emergence of colored lines, which are indicative of test validity and test results. Whereas the presence of the control line (C) indicates the validity of the results, the presence of the test line (T) indicates that the result is positive for that specific virus.
How can the SARS-CoV-2 + FLU A/B + RSV + ADV Combo Rapid Test Kit be performed?
All instructions for sample collection and procession are included in the manual. The instructions should be read and followed carefully before starting the procedure in order to ensure validity, accuracy, and safety. First, the patient is asked to tilt their head back to straighten the nasal passage for a more comfortable sample collection. Next, the sterile swab is slowly inserted into the nasopharynx headfirst until a slight resistance is met. Then, the swab is turned a few times close to the inner wall of the nasal cavity and slowly removed.
For the procession of the collected sample, the used swab is inserted into the extraction tube and rotated within the extraction buffer a few times, and the swab head is squeezed along the inner wall of the tube. Then, the swab is broken at the marked point, and the tube is closed with the dropper head. Finally, the test cassette is removed from its package and placed on a horizontal surface. A few drops of the processed sample are added to the assigned wells in the kit for SARS-CoV-2, influenza, RSV, and adenovirus (ADV), as instructed. The timer is started, and the results are read within 15 to 20 minutes.
When to take the SARS-CoV-2 + FLU A/B + RSV + ADV Combo Rapid Test Kit?
The SARS-CoV-2 + Flu A/B + RSV + ADV Combo Rapid Test Kit is intended for the differential detection of COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and adenovirus infections in patients with clinical and epidemiological risk factors. The test kit can help medical professionals diagnose and differentiate between COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and adenovirus in patients with respiratory infection symptoms and exposure to these viruses. As such, the SARS-CoV-2 + FLU A/B + RSV + ADV Combo Rapid Test Kit may assist in the early diagnosis of especially those who experience respiratory symptoms common to these infections, including fever, chills, cough, sneezing, sore throat, runny/congested nose, fatigue, myalgia, and headaches.
What are the advantages of the SARS-CoV-2 + FLU A/B + RSV + ADV Combo Rapid Test Kit?
Whereas molecular tests such as PCR require laboratory equipment and highly trained personnel to detect genetic material, rapid antigen tests can be performed in point-of-care contexts by minimally trained personnel. Therefore, rapid antigen tests can efficiently be utilized in remote and resource-limited areas with limited access to laboratory technology and specialized personnel. Specific forms of rapid antigen tests have even become available for at-home testing. Moreover, while most molecular detection techniques may require days to deliver results, rapid antigen tests offer real-time results in at most 15 to 20 minutes. Thus, these tests can also provide essential advantages in medical emergencies and mass testing purposes.
In addition, the SARS-CoV-2 + Flu A/B + RSV+ ADV Combo Rapid Test Kit allows for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and adenovirus (ADV) with only a single sample. Therefore, multiplex assays such as our SARS-CoV-2 + Flu A/B + RSV+ ADV Combo Rapid Test Kit not only offer a quick, accurate, and highly convenient method to address the challenges posed by the overlapping seasonal patterns and clinical presentations of these viruses but also help reduce the burden on healthcare systems around the world caused by their increasing circulation.
REFERENCES
Bahadır, E. B., & Sezgintürk, M. K. (2016). Lateral flow assays: Principles, designs and labels. TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 82, 286–306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2016.06.006
Moriyama, M., Hugentobler, W. J., & Iwasaki, A. (2020). Seasonality of Respiratory Viral Infections. Annual Review of Virology, 7(1), 83–101. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-virology-012420-022445