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“A Simple Guide to At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Testing”

Discover the ease of at-home COVID-19 rapid testing. Uncover the components of a rapid test kit, their costs, and how long it takes to get your results.

Administrator

10 August, 2024

Rapid COVID-19 home testing kits are not unfamiliar to many, as they help quickly determine whether one is infected. However, not everyone knows how to use them effectively.

This article will guide you through the simple process of using a rapid COVID-19 home testing kit, specifically the Humasis Covid-19 Ag Test kit.

1What’s included in a rapid COVID-19 test kit?

The Humasis Covid-19 Ag Test kit includes:

1 swab for collecting a sample from the nasopharyngeal region
1 tube containing an extraction solution
1 filter cap
1 test tray

Humasis Covid-19 Ag Test Kit Contents

Reference:

2How to use the rapid COVID-19 test kit

Sample Collection

Sample Collection Method

Step 1 Sanitize your hands with soap or alcohol-based sanitizer.

Step 2 Open the package containing the swab and hold the stick by the end without the cotton, being careful not to touch the cotton tip.

Step 3 Insert the swab into the nostril of the person being tested and gently push it as far as it will go, ideally until it reaches the back of the nasal cavity. Rotate the swab about 5 times and leave it in place for 5-10 seconds to absorb fluids.

Step 4 Carefully remove the swab without touching the cotton tip.

Testing Procedure

Allow the test kit to adjust to room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting the testing process.

Step 1 Remove the test tray and place it on a flat surface.

Step 2 Shake the extraction tube downward before opening it to ensure the buffer solution collects at the bottom.

Step 3 Open the tube, insert the swab, and rotate it at least 10 times to ensure adequate sample collection.

Step 4 Remove the swab from the tube and squeeze the cotton tip or press it against the side of the tube to release all the fluid.

Step 5 Attach the filter cap to the tube. Then, slowly dispense 3 drops of the extracted solution (approximately 90 ~ 100uL) onto the sample well of the test tray.

Step 6 Wait for 15 minutes for the results to appear. Do not interpret the results after 20 minutes have passed since dispensing the sample onto the test tray.

Reference:

Interpreting the Results

There are three possible outcomes:

Interpreting the Test Results

Negative result: One colored line appears at the C mark on the test tray.

Positive result: Two colored lines appear at the T and C marks, or a faint line at the T mark and a colored line at the C mark on the test tray.

Invalid result: No lines appear, or only one colored line appears at the T mark on the test tray.

Further Reference:

3Notes on Sample Collection with the Rapid COVID-19 Test Kit

How long does it take to get results from a rapid COVID test?

The time required to obtain results varies depending on the reagent used. Typically, results are available within 15-30 minutes.

Rapid COVID-19 Test Kits are available at major pharmacies in the city

How much does a rapid COVID-19 test kit cost, and where can I buy it?

You can find these test kits at major pharmacies in your city. The price typically ranges from 90,000 to 100,000 VND per kit.

Specifically, the Humasis COVID-19 Ag Home Test kit made in South Korea costs around 86,000 – 90,000 VND, while the labnovation kit from China is priced at approximately 70,000 – 75,000 VND.

Other Notes on Sample Collection

– Do not reuse the test tray.

– Keep the test tray sealed in the aluminum pouch before use, and use it immediately upon opening. If the pouch is damaged or the tray is compromised, do not use it.

– Allow the test kit to reach room temperature before performing the test.

– Interpreting the results before 15 minutes or after 20 minutes can lead to inaccurate results. It is best to read the results within this time frame.

Disinfect your hands and relevant surfaces according to guidelines

– After completing the test, place all the items from the kit into a bag and seal it tightly to prevent exposure. Additionally, dispose of the used test kit and sample properly, following the guidelines, and do not throw them directly into your household garbage.

– Disinfect your hands and relevant surfaces according to guidelines.

– Rapid test results are preliminary, and further examination by a physician is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

Further Reference:

Frequently asked questions

COVID-19 rapid antigen testing is a method of testing for the virus that causes COVID-19. This type of test is typically performed at home and provides results within minutes. It detects specific proteins on the surface of the virus, indicating a current infection.

To perform a rapid antigen test at home, carefully read and follow the instructions provided with your test kit. Typically, you will need to collect a sample from your nose or throat using a swab, then perform the test by applying the swab to a test strip or device. Wait for the specified time and interpret the results based on the instructions.

Rapid antigen tests are most effective when used within the first five to seven days after the onset of symptoms or potential exposure to COVID-19. If you are asymptomatic but have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, it is recommended to test at least five days after your last exposure.

A positive rapid antigen test result indicates that you likely have an active COVID-19 infection. It is important to isolate yourself and inform your close contacts to prevent further spread. Consider taking a PCR test to confirm the result.

A negative rapid antigen test result means that the test did not detect the presence of the COVID-19 virus in your sample. However, it is important to note that rapid tests are not as sensitive as PCR tests, so there is a chance of false negatives. If you have symptoms or high-risk exposures, consider retesting after a few days or seeking a PCR test for more accurate results.

The accuracy of rapid antigen tests can vary depending on the brand and the specific test. In general, they are less sensitive than PCR tests and may produce false negatives, especially in individuals with low viral loads. However, they are still useful for detecting individuals with high viral loads, which makes them valuable for public health screening and early detection.

Rapid antigen tests are widely available at pharmacies, online retailers, and some grocery stores. You can also check with your local health department or community health centers for information on free or low-cost testing options.

Interpreting the results of a rapid antigen test depends on the specific test kit you are using. Carefully read the instructions provided with your test. Typically, the presence of a colored line or symbol in the control region indicates that the test is working properly. The presence of a line or symbol in the test region indicates a positive result, while its absence indicates a negative result.

When performing a rapid antigen test at home, ensure you wash your hands thoroughly before and after the test. Wear a mask if you are symptomatic or have had recent exposures. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth during the testing process. Dispose of the test kit components safely and securely, following local guidelines for medical waste disposal.

If you test positive on a rapid antigen test, immediately isolate yourself to prevent spreading the infection to others. Inform your close contacts, including your workplace or school, and follow the guidelines provided by your local health authorities. Monitor your symptoms, and seek medical attention if they worsen. You may consider taking a PCR test to confirm the result.