SARS-CoV-2 antigens refer to nucleoproteins that pertain specifically to the virus. SARS-CoV-2 test detects the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from part of the upper respiratory tract swab specimens by identifying antigens pertaining to SARS-CoV-2. The test identifies current infection during the acute phase of COVID-19, while the virus is still present in large quantities in the respiratory tract.
The SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test is a reliable, rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of specific antigens of SARS-CoV-2 present in the human nasopharynx.