SESSION 04

Perform rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19)

Interpret malaria rapid diagnostic test results

Interpret SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19) rapid antigen test

Learning objectives

RAT or RADT is the lateral flow test which is directly detects the presence or absence of an antigen(generally a protein surface of the virus), rather than antibodies.

Rapid antigen test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that cause COVID-19.

A sample, often a nasal or throat swab is collected, the sample contains cells and other materials from the respiratory tract.

Then the rapid antigen test device contain antibodies that are specific to the target antigen o the pathogen being tested for. If the virus present, the antigen from the virus will bind with the antibodies on the test device.

Then finally results interpretation is done after the incubation period, the result is interpretated based on presence or absence of the signal.

Principles of rapid antigen tests cont..

Rapid antigen test detect COVID -19 when people have a higher amount of virus particles in their system and are more contagious.

Nasopharyngeal swab

Oropharyngeal swab

Blood can be used in MRDT to detect antigen of parasite.

Prepare the patient, you may ask the patient to blow their nose or rinse their mouth with water to clear any excess mucus or debris.

Select the swab appropriate for the respiratory tract.

Nasal swab

Gently insert the swab into one nostril until resistance is felt 2-4 centimeter (1-1.5 inches)

Collect samples for antigen rapid tests

Rotate the swab against the nasal walls for about 10-15 seconds to collect the sample.

Repeat the procedure with the same swab in other nostril.

Open the individual’s mouth

Gently rub the swab against the back of the throat

Avoiding contact with tongue, teeth or gums

Rotate the swab for about 10-15 seconds to collect a sample

CONT……

Once the sample is collected, immediately insert the swab into the designed area for the rapid antigen test device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

CONT……

Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (mRTD)

An immunochromatography (Antibodies/antigen inserted in paper strip) test based on the capture of the parasite antigens from blood.

Parasite histidine-rich protein-2 (HRP-2) antigen,

Parasite Lactate Dehydrogenase (p-LDH) and

Adolase enzymes.

mRDT test kit bearing monoclonal antibodies(Synthesized) is directed against target parasite antigens.

The test strip indicates the presence of parasite antigens by the presence of BANDS/LINES in the test and control window the test strip.

Alcohol

Gloves

Cotton

Lancet

Test kit

Buffer

Timer

Position hand palm-side up.

Select the third finger from the thumb (or the big toe in case of an infant)

Apply intermittent pressure to the finger to help the blood to flow

Clean fingertip with alcohol.

Start in the middle and work outward to prevent contaminating the area.

Hold the finger and firmly place a new sterile lancet off-center on the fingertip

Firmly press the lancet to puncture the fingertip

Immediately touch the tip of the tube with blood on the square hole marked ‘A’ and add six drops of the buffer

Discard the lancet and cotton wool in separate appropriate waste containers

PROCEDURE FOR MRDT

Prepare all materials needed for the test.

Materials required

COVID-19 kit

Swab

Specimen container

PPE such as Gloves and masks

SOPs.

Waster container

Explain the procedure to the patient.

Use a sterile swab provided with the rapid antigen test kit.

For nasal swab, gently insert the swab into one nostril until resistance is felt, about 2-4 centimeter(1-1.5 inches).

Rotate the swab against the nasal wall for about 10-15 seconds to collect a sample

Perform rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19)

Repeat the procedure with the same swab in other nostril.

For throat swab

Open the individual’s mouth

Gently rub the swab against the back of the throat

Avoiding contact with tongue, teeth or gums

Rotate the swab for about 10-15 seconds to collect a sample

Once the sample is collected, immediately insert the swab into the designed area for the rapid antigen test device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Add the appropriate amount of reagent or buffer solution to the test device as instructed.

Wait for 15-30 minutes

Interpret the results and discard all materials in an appropriate waste container.

CONT…..

After incubation period, interpret the test result based on the appearance of the strip whether the results is positive or negative.

Identify the rapid antigen tests

Explain principles of rapid antigen tests

Explain the purpose of using rapid antigen tests

Identify samples for antigen rapid tests

Collect samples for antigen rapid tests

Preform and interpret the results of rapid antigen test.