Basic Requirements of Antigen Self-test

I. Basic requirements of antigen self-test

(1) Basic Principles

Rapid antigen test kit (hereinafter referred to as antigen) is applicable to quarantined observers and community residents. Among them, people in home quarantine, close contact and sub-close contact, entry quarantine observation, sealed and controlled areas shall undergo antigen self-test under the organization and management of relevant administrative departments.

(2) Self-test instructions

Rapid antigen test kit is generally used during the acute period of infection, when samples are taken from a suspected population within seven days of the onset of symptoms. Both positive and negative results of antigen in suspected population should be further nucleic acid test. Positive results can be used for early triage and rapid management of suspected population, but cannot be used as the basis for the diagnosis of virus infection. The selected antigen detection reagent shall be approved by the state drug regulatory department.

II. Antigen self-test operation process

(1) Preparation for antigen self-test

1. Wash your hands. Wash hands with running water or hand sanitizer.

2. Understand the testing process. Carefully read the instructions of antigen self-test reagents and related matters needing attention.

3. Prepare reagents. Check whether the antigen self-test reagent is within the warranty period, and check whether the contents of nasal swabs, sample tubes and test cards are missing or damaged. If the reagent expires or its contents are missing or damaged, the reagent should be replaced in time.

4. Confirm the requirements for ambient temperature and humidity. Colloidal gold strip detection is generally required at 14℃ to 30℃ under normal temperature conditions, to avoid excessive cold, overheating or humid environment resulting in abnormal test results. Remove the antigen test card and place it in a flat, clean place.

(2) Sample collection

1. Nasal swabs can be taken by patients aged 14 years or older. Self-examiners blow their noses with toilet paper first. Unpack the nasal swab carefully and avoid contact with the swab head. Then tilt the head slightly, hold the swab tail to one side of the nostril in one hand, slowly penetrate 1-1.5cm backward along the bottom of the lower nasal passage, then apply to the nasal cavity and rotate at least 4 times (the stay time is not less than 15 seconds), then repeat the same operation on the other nasal cavity with the same swab.

2. Other adults should take samples for self-examiners aged 2-14. When sampling, blow the nose with toilet paper first, then tilt the head slightly. Sampling personnel carefully open nasal swabs outer packing, avoid hand contact with the swab head, one hand held by collectors, head with one hand holding swab stick into the side of nose and slowly along the bottom of the nasal passages under the backward at least 4 turns into 1 cm after post nasal residence time (not less than 15 seconds), then use the same swab to another nasal repeat the same operation.

(3) Antigen detection

1. Place the nasal swab immediately after sample collection in the sample tube according to the reagent instructions. The swab head should be rotated and mixed in the preservation solution for at least 30 seconds, and at the same time, squeeze the swab head at least 5 times across the outer wall of the sample tube to ensure that the sample is fully eluded in the sample tube.

2. Squeeze the liquid from the swab head through the outer wall of the sample tube and discard the swab. After the sample tube is covered, the liquid is dropped vertically into the sample hole of the detection card.

3. Read the result after a certain time according to the reagent instruction.

Positive results: both "C" and "T" showed red or purple bands, and the color of the band at "T" could be dark or light, which were all positive results.

Negative results: red or purple bands were shown at "C" and no bands were shown at "T".

Invalid result: No red or purple band is shown at "C", regardless of whether a band is shown at "T". Invalid result, need to take a new strip test again.

(4) Waste disposal

1. Isolate observers. No matter the test results are negative or positive, all used samples, sampling tubes, test cards, etc. shall be put into sealed bags for management personnel to refer to medical waste or according to procedures.

2. Community residents. If the test results are negative, all nasal swabs, sample tubes and test cards after use shall be put into sealed bags and disposed of as general waste; If the test results are positive, they will be transferred to medical institutions for treatment as medical waste.

Source: http://bj.bendibao.com/news/2022314/309679.shtm