Compared to NAATs, antigen tests are more likely to return a false negative, especially when testing before symptom onset when the level of antigens in a specimen is lower. Antigen tests do not have the same limits of detection as most NAATs, which have a higher sensitivity. In situations where test sensitivity is of paramount importance, NAAT tests are preferred. The “gold standard” for clinical diagnostic detection of SARS-CoV-2 remains laboratory-based (moderate- and high-complexity) NAATs. See FDA’s In Vitro Diagnostics EUA for detailed information about specific authorized tests. It is important for healthcare providers and testing professionals to understand the performance characteristics, including sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values, of the antigen test being used, and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, which summarize performance characteristics. Performance of Antigen Tests for SARS-CoV-2 All initial negative antigen test results should be confirmed with a NAAT or repeated with additional antigen tests following FDA’s recommendations on repeat testing. Patients who test positive should follow CDC isolation guidance for next steps. For additional comparison between NAAT and antigen tests, please see the Summary Table of NAAT and Antigen Test Differences.Īccurate identification of infection and clinical management of COVID-19 requires performing the test properly and correctly interpreting the results. For this reason, in situations where test sensitivity is of paramount importance, NAAT tests are preferred. Antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 are generally less sensitive than real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and other nucleic acid amplification tests ( NAATs), which detect and amplify the presence of viral nucleic acid. Antigen tests are better at detecting a SARS-CoV-2 infection when someone has COVID-19 symptoms compared to if they do not. Most self-tests, or at-home tests, are antigen tests. Certain tests have age limitations refer to FDA’s website for more details.Īntigen tests produce results quickly (within minutes), and most can be used at the POC or at home. The currently authorized antigen tests include point-of-care (POC), laboratory-based, and self-tests available without a prescription. SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests are currently authorized for nasopharyngeal swab and nasal swab specimens. See FDA’s list of In Vitro Diagnostics EUAs.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for antigen tests that can identify SARS-CoV-2. Antigen tests are commonly used in the diagnosis of respiratory pathogens, including influenza viruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Antigen tests are immunoassays that detect the presence of a specific viral antigen, which suggests current viral infection.
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