How To Use RapidFor™ COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test Kit?
Together with other measures such as vaccination and physical distancing, COVID-19 self-testing presents immense benefits for both private and public health. By delivering quick, critical, and actionable information regardless of the setting, COVID-19 antigen self-tests play a crucial role in breaking transmission chains and controlling the spread of the virus. In a nutshell, by detecting SARS-CoV-2- specific proteins, these tests enable people to quickly check if they are currently infected with the virus.
As these tests have been deliberately designed for self-use, they involve user-friendly material, non-invasive sample collection, and straightforward instructions on how to prepare, perform, process, and administer the test. The performance of the test and reliability of the results depends largely on whether the user follows the instructions carefully. Therefore, it is crucial to completely understand the instructions regarding each step of the procedure before taking a test. Below you can find detailed information on how correctly store, use, and interpret the RapidFor™ COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test Kit to get the most accurate results.
Before You Start
Check Your RapidFor™ SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Kit
The RapidFor™ SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Kit comes with everything you need to perform the test, process your sample, and interpret your results. Each test kit contains a test cassette, a sterile swab, a bottle with extraction buffer, a biological waste pochette, along with instructions for use. If you notice any damaged or missing components, do not conduct the test.
It should be noted that the test kit is for single use only. Thus, it cannot be reused or used by more than one person at a time under any circumstances. Please also make sure to check the expiry date provided on the packaging in advance. The kit cannot not be used after its expiry date.
Read The Instructions
It is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the components of the kit and the instructions for use before opening the packaging of the material and starting the test. After removal from the packaging, the test cassette must be used within 15 minutes. Thus, please make sure that you read the instruction leaflet in full and understand the directions completely before starting the procedure. You can also scan the QR on the instruction for use (IFU).
Clean Your Hands and The Testing Area
To prevent contamination, make sure to perform the test with clean hands and on a clean surface. Clear, clean, and dry a flat surface to place all the components on. Wash your hands with soap and warm water or sanitize your hands before you handle your test kit.
How Do I perform the RapidFor™ SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Kit?
After you check the kit, understand the instructions, prepare the environment, and clean your hands, you are ready to perform the test.
Set Up Your RapidFor™ SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Kit
First, place the extraction buffer bottle into the tube holder, open it, and make sure not the spill any of the solution.
Next, remove the swab from its packaging. To prevent contaminating your sample, you should make sure that the textile tip of the swab does not touch your hands or objects.
Collect Your Sample
To collect your sample, carefully insert the textile tip of the swab 2 cm or about 0.8 inch into one nostril and rotate it 3 times close to the inner wall of your nose. While, this process might be slightly uncomfortable, do not insert the swab deeper in case of strong resistance or pain. Repeat the same procedure for the other nostril with the same swab.
Process Your Sample
After you collect your sample, insert the swab into the extraction buffer bottle. Dipping its textile tip into the solution, press the swab against the inner wall of the bottle, and rotate 10 times. In order to ensure that the sample on the swab is transferred to the buffer as much as possible, squeeze the tip of the swab along the inner wall of the bottle for at least 20 seconds.
Then, break off the upper half of the swab from the assigned point, leave the rest of the swab in the bottle, and close the cap tightly to prevent leaks. Mix the bottle thoroughly, and carefully break off the tip of the cap.
Finalize The Procedure and Wait for Your Rapid Antigen Test Results
Finally, remove the test cassette from its packaging, and place it on a clean, flat surface. Gently squeeze the bottle containing the processed sample to add 3 drops of the solution to the sample well (S) and start the timer.
With the RapidFor™ SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Kit, your results are ready within 15 minutes. The results read after 20 minutes are considered invalid.
After you finish the procedure, sterilize, or clean your hands and the area where the test is conducted.
How Do I Interpret My Rapid Antigen Test Result?
While the test line (T) is an indicator of the presence or absence of infection, the control line (C) functions as a mechanism to confirm proper test performance.
Your RapidFor™ SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Kit Result Is Positive If…
If both the control line (C) and the test line (T) are visible after 15-20 minutes, your test result is positive and valid.
Your RapidFor™ SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Kit Result Is Negative If…
If only the control line (C) appears after 15-20 minutes, your test result is negative and valid.
Your RapidFor™ SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Kit Result Is Invalid If…
If the control line (C) is not visible after 15-20 minutes, the results are considered invalid regardless of the presence of the test line (T).
How Do I Store and Dispose of My Rapid Antigen Test Kit?
The performance of rapid antigen self-test kits can be affected by storage conditions. To ensure reliable results, store the kit in its original package at 2°C – 30°C. The kit should not be kept in temperatures below 2°C or under direct sunlight. You should also make sure to bring all components of the kit to room temperature before starting the testing procedure.
To safely dispose of your test kit, place the sample swab, extraction buffer bottle, and the test cassette in the waste pochette immediately after using them. Seal the pochette and dispose it immediately in the general waste bin.
References
- Mattiuzzi, Camilla, Henry, Brandon M. and Lippi, Giuseppe. “Making sense of rapid antigen testing in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) diagnostics” Diagnosis, vol. 8, no. 1, 2021, pp. 27-31. https://doi.org/10.1515/dx-2020-0131
- Rosella, L. C., Agrawal, A., Gans, J., Goldfarb, A., Sennik, S., & Stein, J. (2022). Large-scale implementation of rapid antigen testing system for COVID-19 in workplaces. Science Advances, 8(8). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abm3608
