Saliva Antigen Test

Additional Information

With results in only 15 minutes, the COVID-19 Antigen Test is a nasopharyngeal swab test which detects the COVID-19 Antigen. Early detection allows more efficient and effective control of the virus.

An Antigen test detects the presence of a specific viral antigen, which implies current viral infection.

Performance Characteristics

A negative test result means that the test did not detect the presence of the COVID-19 antigen in your nasal secretion.

Please Note: A negative result does not rule out the presence of COVID-19 antigens (and hence covid-19 infection) as they may be present below the minimum detection level. The amount of antigen in a sample may decrease as the duration of illness increases e.g. specimens collected after 10 days are more likely to be negative. A negative test therefore should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions.

A negative test result is still accompanied by the advice to wear a face mask, practice regular hand hygiene and follow social distancing recommendations

A positive test result means that the test did detect the presence of the COVID-19 antigen in your nasal secretion. A positive result would suggest that you are currently infected with COVID-19.

A positive result does not rule out co-infections with other pathogens.

As this is a preliminary test, a positive result warrants further PCR testing.

If a Patient receives a positive Antigen test result they should be instructed to:

Restrict movement

Self isolate

Contact their GP for instruction.