Flowflex SARS-COV-2 Antigen Rapid Test Pack of 240

The Flowflex tests detect moderate to high viral loads. Patients will have moderate to high viral loads about 3 days before symptoms start until between 7 and 10 days after symptoms start. In this window lateral flow tests, such as the Acon Flowflex tests are very effective.

A positive test should be repeated using a RT-PCR test for confirmation and entry into the national test and trace system. A negative test simply reflects a point in time, showing you do not have active COVID-19 today.

This is difficult to advise as regulatory advice differs. Some bodies advise testing twice a week, or perhaps every Monday in a standard five day week. Other guidance suggests testing every day.

Corona  viruses  are  a  large  family  of  viruses  which  may  cause  illness  in  animals  or humans. In humans, several corona viruses  are  known  to  cause  respiratory  infections  ranging  from the common cold to more severe diseases such as  Middle  East  Respiratory  Syndrome  (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The  most  recently  discovered  coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and  disease  were  unknown  before.  COVID-19  is  now  a  pandemic  affecting  many  countries globally.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, sore  throat,  or  diarrhea.  These  symptoms  are  usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but only have very mild symptoms. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing hospital treatment. Around 1 out of  every 5 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart and lung problems, diabetes, or cancer, are at higher risk of developing serious illness. However, anyone can catch COVID-19 and become seriously ill. Even people with very mild symptoms of COVID-19 can transmit the virus. People of all ages who experience fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

The SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test is a lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection the nucleocapsid protein antigen from SARS-CoV-2 in nasal swab specimens directly from individuals who are suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within the first seven days of the onset of symptoms.

The SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test is a qualitative membrane based chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of the nucleocapsid protein antigen from SARS-CoV-2 in human nasal swab specimens.

When specimens are processed and added to the test cassette, SARS-CoV-2 antigens, if present in the specimen, will react with the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody-coated particles, which have been pre-coated on the test strip. The mixture then migrates upward on the membrane by capillary action. The antigen-conjugate complexes migrate across the test strip to the reaction area and are captured by a line of antibody bound on the membrane. Test results are interpreted visually at 15 minutes based on the presence or absence of visually colored lines.

Results are for the identification  of  SARS-CoV-2  nucleocapsid  antigen.  This  antigen  is generally detectable in upper respiratory samples during the acute phase of infection. Positive results indicate the presence of viral antigens, but clinical correlation with patient history and other diagnostic information is necessary to determine infection status. Positive results do not rule out bacterial infection or co-infection with other viruses. The agent detected may not be the definite cause of disease.

Negative results from patients more than seven days post symptom onset should be treated as presumptive and confirmed with a molecular assay, if necessary, for patient management. Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. Negative results should be considered in the context of a patient’s recent exposures, history and the presence of clinical signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

The known limitations of the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test are:

• The SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test is for in vitro diagnostic use only. The test should be used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens in nasal swab specimens only. The intensity of the test line does not necessarily correlate to SARS-CoV-2 viral titer in the
• Specimens should be tested as quickly as possible after specimen collection and at most within the hour following collection.
• Use of viral transport media may result in decreased test
• A false-negative test may result if the level of antigen in a sample is below the detection limit of the test or if the sample was collected
• Test results should be correlated with other clinical data available to the
• A positive test result does not rule out co-infections with other
• A positive test result does not differentiate between SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.
• A negative test result is not intended to rule out other viral or bacterial
• A negative result, from a patient with symptom onset beyond seven days, should be treated as presumptive and confirmed with a molecular assay, if necessary, for clinical
• If the differentiation of specific SARS viruses and strains is needed, additional testing is required.