SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Kit 
- Step by Step Guide -

Many people will have Coronavirus whilst displaying no symptoms at all. Regular testing enables Governing bodies and scientists to monitor the spread of the virus and its trends. Testings supports them in identifying areas of the infection and the demographics of the types of people more impacted to help them eradicate the virus. Self-testing is also important on a more personal scale. If you are tested and receive a positive result, you can then inform people you have been in contact with, helping them and you to receive the necessary care and advice required to prevent a further spread.

Excalibur Healthcare Services have developed the first Rapid Antigen Test of its kind that can provide results in as little as 15 minutes and a highly positive in a little as 2!

The Excalibur Rapid Antigen Test UK is the perfect testing solution for work-places, care homes, healthcare environments and other sectors that require faster, more accurate results to continue with their duties.

The test itself is simple to use, requiring a single nostril swab to collect a sample. Results can be obtained within 15 minutes, meaning you can be immediately responsive to your readings.. The test is so simple to use, it can be performed anywhere, providing on the go results should it be required.

What makes this test even more superior to other variants is the test's accuracy. In the tens of thousands of sample tests taken, very few false readings were detected, meaning you can be sure your results aren’t just received quickly, they are accurate and reliable too!

Here we detail how to use the rapid antigen test, so you are fully equipped to administer the test kit correctly.

Checklist  
SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Instructions.

Step 1: Buy the Rapid Antigen Test Kit Online

You can purchase the Rapid Antigen Test Kit online here.

When you receive your test, make sure your hands and any surfaces used are fully sanitised to avoid cross-contamination or false readings.

We recommend having a timer on hand so you can monitor your reading.

Step 2: Preparation:

Prior to starting the test, blow your nose, discarding the used tissue in a suitable waste disposal unit.

→ Have your timer ready.

→ Sanitise your hands.

→ Unpack the test on a sanitised, flat surface. It is useful to identify each component of the test as per the instructions prior to starting the testing process.

Step 3: Taking the test:

Add 8 drops of Buffer into the test tube

Next, using the cotton swab, insert it into the nostril along the floor of the nose in a backwards direction. When you have reached the Nasopharynx, you will feel resistance. Here, rotate the swab 4-5 times and remove.

Immediately place the swab into the Buffer tube, rotating several times to absorb the Buffer. Leave to stand for 1 minute. Use your timer to monitor.

Remove the swab by squeezing the buffer tube firmly as the swab is withdrawn. Next place the cap firmly on the tube, avoiding contact with the top.

Squeeze 3 drops from the Buffer tube into the bottom well marked ‘S’. Start your time for 15 minutes.

When the timer alarm sounds, you can now read your result.

Make sure you log your results as per your local legislation.

This lateral flow rapid antigen test can be used by any professional, providing immediate results on the go. Pregnant women can use the test with no impact to Mother or Baby. Children and infants can also take the test whilst being facilitated by an adult. There are no restrictions on who can use the test and it is suitable for everyone requiring immediate, accurate results. The test will rapidly identify if you are infectious to others, preventing the risk to their health. Results from the test can be read in 15 minutes and the test will confirm whether you are infected with Coronavirus. Workplaces and other organisations will benefit from regular testing to ensure they aren’t at risk of infecting one another with the virus.

Step 4. Read the interpretation : 

Here are examples of result readings and what they mean:

          Positive             

If TWO COLOURED BANDS appear within 15-20 minutes, with one coloured band in the Control Zone (C) and another in the Test Zone (T) the result is POSITIVE. Irrespective of how faint the band is in the Test Zone (T), the result should be considered as Positive.

          Negative            

If ONE COLOURED BAND appears in the Control Zone (C) and no coloured band appears in the Test Zone (T) within 15-20 minutes, the test result is NEGATIVE at the time of taking the test. A negative result DOES NOT exclude SARS-CoV-2 Viral Infection and should be confirmed by Molecular Diagnostic method if COVID-19 disease is still suspected.

           Invalid Result    

If there is NO COLOURED BAND in the Control Zone (C) within 15-20 minutes, repeat the Rapid Coronavirus Test as your results were invalid.

If you would like more advice on the Lateral Flow Rapid Antigen Test kit or are considering purchasing tests for your workplace, please get in touch with our customer service team who will be happy to discuss your enquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why would I take the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test ?

To check if you are infectious to others, preventing the risk to their health. With results in 15-20 minutes, this test will confirm if you are a risk to others and let you know if you are infected with Coronavirus.

2. What type of test is the Rapid Antigen Test ? 

It is a swab test which detects the presence of protein particles from the virus that causes the coronavirus. A swab is taken from the nose(nasopharyngeal), a fluid is added, and this fluid is then tested for the presence of viral protein using a lateral flow device.

The Rapid Antigen Test has been independently tested by several leading bioscience and testing laboratories and their testing demonstrated that the Excalibur test outperforms other marketed Antigen tests for both accuracy AND speed.

The Test Kit is both CE and UK compliant and MHRA registered.

3. What do I do if I find out I have Coronavirus on my swab in the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test ? 

You should isolate yourself and follow the guidance at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

If you are feeling unwell you should follow the guidance at:  https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/

4. What Regulatory Approvals does the test have ? 

The Test Kit is both CE and UK compliant and MHRA approved (Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency)

Test Kit Express/Excalibur SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test has been independently tested by several leading bioscience and testing laboratories. Their testing determined that the Excalibur test outperforms other marketed Antigen tests for both Accuracy AND Speed.

The test’s independent validators include AstraZeneca, Imperial College, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (WHO-backed laboratory), The Catholic University of Korea, St Mary’s Hospital of Xiamen Boson research laboratory.

5. What is return to work testing ?

There are some healthcare professionals and businesses who are taking a calculated risk that it is perhaps safe to return to work in some circumstances if people have both lateral flow Rapid Antigen test which detects no coronavirus, and a positive antibody test confirming the presence of antibodies – indicating that an individual is not carrying the virus and has been infected and recovered.

6. What is the buffer solution for and can I use any buffer with the test ? 

The buffer solution has two functions. It acts as the carrier for the sample, allowing it to laterally flow along the test strip, and it maintains a constant sample pH as it flows, preventing degradation of the biomarkers and the antibodies. You should only use the buffer solution provided with the test kits as they have been verified and designed to be used with this test.

7. Can the test detect asymptomatic patients ?

Yes, the rapid antigen test will be able to detect asymptomatic people, as they will have an immune response even though they don’t display symptoms.

8. I didn't read the results in the instructed timeframe, what should I do ?

The result window of accuracy is 15-20 minutes after you add the sample and buffer solution. If you forget to read the results after this time you should consider the test to be invalid.

9. What is the shelf-life of the test cassette ?

The shelf-life of the test is 18 months from the date of manufacture. The product expiry is printed onto the packaging for reference. Do not use it after the expiry date.

If you cannot find the answer in our most frequently asked questions, you can contact our customer service team who will be happy to help you with your enquiry. 

For more information please contact us.

Email: enquiries@xp21.co.uk
Tel: 0203-092-7299