Coronavirus Tests

About

Covid-19 is known for being a highly-infectious disease that is spreading rampantly throughout the world. It is caused by the Sars-CoV-2 virus and is capable of producing mild to severe respiratory illness, affecting any individual, especially those who are medically-compromised and elderly. Reliable brands such as Celltrion Diatrust, BD Veritor & Quidel, have produced Rapid Tests, which are immunoassay tests that are used for the direct and qualitative detection of Coronavirus (Sars-CoV-2) antigens and antibodies collected through serum, saliva, plasma, and even whole blood of patients. Types of Covid-19 Rapid Tests There are two types of Rapid Tests that are helpful in the systematic screening and detection of both clinical and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases: Antigen or Ag Rapid Test, and Antibody Rapid Test. Antigen Rapid Tests : Ag or Antigen Rapid Test is the type of Covid-19 Rapid Test which detects extracted nucleocapsid protein antigens, specific to SARS-CoV-2, in specimens directly collected through nasopharyngeal swabbing. This effectively works in detecting active infection for asymptomatic patients, with a certain time interval in test swabbing, or symptomatic patients, depending on the days of symptom onset. Results will instantly appear on the test device in as fast as 10-30 minutes, and a follow-up test may be needed to confirm a positive result. Antibody Rapid Tests : This type of Covid-19 Rapid Test is mainly used in detecting and differentiating Covid-19 IgG, IgA and/or IgM antibodies collected from patients. Specimens for testing can be obtained in human serum, plasma, venous or fingerstick whole blood, which helps in identifying individuals who have active immune responses to Sars-CoV-2, indicating recent or a history of having the Covid-19 infection. This antibody test can be used for individuals that are 15 days or more post symptom onset, and results will instantly appear on the test device in as fast as 10-30 minutes. Available Rapid Test Ki