Covid19 rapid tests

COVID-19 rapid tests: For added safety

Regular testing to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection is considered one of the key factors in the fight against the coronavirus. Since the beginning of the pandemic, researchers have been working feverishly on rapid tests that provide a reliable result within a short time and without the need for elaborate laboratory equipment. In our online store you will find a range of high-quality test kits (made in Germany) that are ideal for use in doctors' offices, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and similar institutions. Basically, there are three different types of SARS-CoV-2 tests on the market:

• PCR tests
• Antigen tests
• Antibody tests

PCR tests

Functionality

The abbreviation PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. A PCR test looks for genetic viral material that serves as direct evidence of infection with the coronavirus. The method is currently considered the "gold standard" in COVID-19 diagnostics because it is very accurate. However, the evaluation of the samples in the laboratory is relatively laborious: It takes at least 24 hours, often longer, until a result is available. In the meantime, there are PCR rapid tests for which no laboratory is required and which provide a result after only about one to three hours.

Just like a conventional PCR test, the corresponding rapid test also requires a swab from the nose or throat area. Subsequently, a specific part of the viral genome is amplified from the sample material in several steps. In the case of a rapid test, this is done within a cartridge supplied with the test. Special fluorescent substances that make the genetic material visible are usually used to detect the virus.

Application areas

PCR laboratory tests are currently considered the medical standard for detecting coronavirus infection. They also form the basis for reporting to the public health department as required by the Infection Protection Act. Their disadvantage is the time delay with which the result is available. In situations where a decision must be made quickly on how to proceed, rapid PCR tests can therefore be a good addition. Their major advantage is that the evaluation is performed directly at the point of care, eliminating the need to go to the laboratory. Possible areas of application include

• Emergency Rooms
• Outpatient clinics
• Medical practices
• Care facilities

Rapid antigen tests

Functionality

A good and inexpensive alternative to PCR tests are antigen rapid test kits. They also allow direct detection of a coronavirus infection. However, the test does not search for genetic material, but for specific surface proteins of the virus - the respective target protein is also referred to as "antigen". Special laboratory equipment is not required for antigen tests. The result is available after around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the manufacturer.

The exact procedure for COVID-19 antigen testing may vary depending on the manufacturer: As with a PCR test, a sample must usually be taken from the nasopharynx for a rapid antigen test. Alternatively, some variants also manage with saliva, gargle or even stool samples. These test systems are particularly suitable for children or people with disabilities.

The swab sample is then transferred to a tube containing a buffer solution. Sometimes the buffer solution is already included in the sampling tube, which makes the test particularly easy to perform. Virus detection is usually performed by a small mobile analyzer, using special fluorescent substances. In some antigen tests, the result is immediately displayed visually, similar to a pregnancy test.

Application areas

The great potential of SARS-CoV-19 antigen tests is that they provide a result rapidly and without complex infrastructure, directly at the point-of-care. This makes them ideally suited for facilities such as

• Medical practices without laboratory diagnostics
• Old people's and nursing homes
• Hospitals, rehabilitation centers and dialysis facilities
• Care facilities for people with disabilities
• mobile care services

SARS-CoV-19 rapid antigen-based tests can be useful, for example, to test individuals who have had contact with COVID-19 infected individuals but are not (yet) symptomatic themselves. They can also be used to test employees, patients, or residents on a regular preventive basis. This prevents asymptomatically infected individuals from spreading the coronavirus in an uncontrolled manner. In sensitive areas such as nursing homes, visitors are often also tested to ensure that they do not introduce the coronavirus. It is important to note that the test result is only a snapshot. Experts therefore recommend regular SARS-CoV-19 testing according to an individual testing strategy.

Antigen tests are primarily used to exclude COVID-19 infection. In the event of a positive result, a PCR laboratory test should then be performed for confirmation. This also forms the basis for reporting to the public health department.

Antibody rapid tests

Functionality

Antibody tests do not detect the coronavirus itself, but the immune system's response to the virus. The immune response does not start until a few days after the infection. The body forms specific antibodies against the coronavirus, which are detectable in the patient's blood. Unlike PCR or antigen tests, antibody tests are therefore not effective at an early stage of the infection.

In addition to laboratory tests, there are also rapid antibody tests that are relatively easy to perform and provide a result after only about ten minutes. As a rule, no blood needs to be taken from the vein, as just a drop from the fingertip is sufficient. The result is indicated on the test strip by a discoloration.

Application areas

A rapid antibody test is not suitable for detecting a current COVID-19 infection! Antibody tests are used, for example, in research to clarify how many people have already been infected with the coronavirus. They can also be useful to check the immune status of nursing staff and other healthcare professionals. However, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) points out that it is currently not possible to say with complete certainty that those who test positive are no longer infectious or can no longer become infected with the coronavirus.

What quality criteria should a rapid test meet?

It is true that a rapid test does not offer the same level of certainty as a PCR test in the laboratory. However, manufacturers are working at full speed on increasingly powerful test systems. How reliable the result of a COVID-19 test is is expressed by the following criteria:

Sensitivity

Sensitivity refers to how many infected persons are actually detected as such. According to WHO recommendations, the sensitivity of rapid antigen tests should be at least 80 percent; a value of more than 90 percent is desirable. It is important to note that sensitivity also depends on the timing of the test: At a very early or very late stage of infection, a rapid antigen test is more likely to fail. Antibody tests have a sensitivity of only around 30 percent in the first week after infection, depending on the product, and only increase to over 90 percent in the third week.

Specificity

Specificity means how many healthy persons are actually detected as healthy. The WHO describes a specificity of at least 97 percent for antigen tests as acceptable; values above 99 percent are desirable. A high specificity is particularly important for preventive testing of asymptomatic individuals, as otherwise the test produces a relatively high number of "false-positive" results.

Cross-reactivity

Antibody tests in particular often also react to related pathogens to which the body produces similar antibodies. Thus, a false-positive test result may occur if a person has undergone an infection with another, harmless coronavirus.

Here's what to look for when buying SARS-CoV-2 tests

Origin: Made in Germany?

If possible, opt for SARS-CoV-19 rapid tests from reputable manufacturers that have been produced in Germany (made in Germany) and bear a CE mark. These products have undergone a certification procedure and are therefore guaranteed to meet the required quality criteria. As part of the certification, the manufacturer must, among other things, provide information on the performance parameters (sensitivity, specificity) of the rapid test. In our online store you can be sure: We only carry products that have been tested and comply with the legal standards, most of which are made in Germany.

Eligibility for reimbursement

SARS-CoV-19 rapid tests can only be billed to health insurance if they meet certain minimum criteria. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) maintains a list of reimbursable COVID-19 rapid tests, which is continuously updated.

Handling and storage

Also pay attention to how practical the rapid test is in handling and whether there are special requirements for storage. Usually storage at room temperature is sufficient, sometimes the manufacturer recommends storage at refrigerator temperatures.

Buy tested SARS-CoV-2 rapid tests (made in Germany) online

Manufacturers are working feverishly to further improve existing COVID-19 tests and to bring new, even more accurate or simpler test kits to market. We will be happy to inform you about current developments and innovative products in our online store. Simply register in our portal and subscribe to our newsletter.

In addition to COVID-19 rapid tests, our online store also offers you Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your practice needs, such as protective gowns, disposable gloves or mouth guards. You benefit from fair prices and can be sure that your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) meets all required legal criteria.