What is an antigen test and how does it work?

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What is an Antigen Test?
  3. How Does an Antigen Test Work?
  4. Chief Company Solutions
  5. Conclusion
  6. References

Introduction

Antigen tests play an essential role in diagnosing infectious diseases quickly and effectively. Widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic, these tests offer a reliable and rapid method for detecting the presence of viral proteins, known as antigens, in a sample. This article delves into the specifics of antigen tests, examining their mechanisms, applications, and the solutions offered by key industry players.

What is an Antigen Test?

An antigen test is a diagnostic tool used to determine the presence of specific proteins associated with a pathogen, most commonly viruses. Unlike antibody tests, which detect the immune response to a pathogen, antigen tests identify the pathogen itself. These tests are particularly useful for detecting infections during the acute phase, when the viral protein concentration is highest.

How Does an Antigen Test Work?

Antigen tests typically involve a straightforward procedure:

  1. Sample Collection: A sample, usually a nasal or throat swab, is collected from the patient.
  2. Application to Test Device: The sample is applied to a test strip or device containing antibodies that bind to specific antigens.
  3. Detection: If the target antigen is present, it will bind to the antibodies on the test strip, causing a visual signal, often in the form of a colored line.
  4. Result Interpretation: Results are typically available within 15-30 minutes. A positive result indicates the presence of the antigen and, thus, an active infection.

The sensitivity and specificity of antigen tests can vary. Sensitivity, which measures the test's ability to correctly identify those with the disease, ranges from 84% to 97% for various tests. Specificity, indicating the test's ability to correctly identify those without the disease, tends to be higher, often exceeding 99%.

Chief Company Solutions

Several leading companies provide antigen tests, offering solutions with varying degrees of sensitivity, specificity, and ease of use. A few key players include:

  • Abbott Laboratories: Known for its BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Card, which provides results in 15 minutes with a sensitivity of approximately 84% and specificity of 98.5%.
  • Quidel Corporation: Produces the QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test, boasting a sensitivity of 83.5% and a specificity of 99.2%.
  • Roche Diagnostics: Offers the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test, delivering results in 15 minutes with a reported sensitivity and specificity of 96.5% and 99.7%, respectively.

These solutions highlight the ongoing advancements in antigen testing technology, addressing the need for rapid, accessible diagnostic tools.

Conclusion

Antigen tests serve as a pivotal tool in managing infectious diseases, providing timely and accurate results that inform public health decisions and individual patient care. As technology evolves, these tests continue to improve in accuracy, affordability, and accessibility, playing a critical role in health monitoring and disease control efforts worldwide.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Interim Guidance for Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2.
  • World Health Organization (WHO). Antigen-detection in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection using rapid immunoassays.
  • Abbott Laboratories. BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test: Product Information.
  • Quidel Corporation. QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test: Instructions for Use.
  • Roche Diagnostics. SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test: Instructions for Use.
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