Rapid Diagnostic Test for the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen

For use under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) only

The COVID-19 Antigen test is a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay for the detection of extracted nucleocapsid protein antigens specific to SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab specimens either directly collected or collected in BD universal transport media from individuals who are suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within the first five days of symptom onset.

Nasopharyngeal swabs require a sample preparation step in which the sample is eluted into the extraction buffer solution. Extracted swab sample is added to the sample well of the test device to initiate the test. When the swab sample migrates in the test strip, SARS-CoV-2 viral antigens bind to anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein antibodies conjugated to indicator and capture particles in the test strip forming an immune complex. The immune complex is then captured by the test line on the nitrocellulose membrane as it migrates through the strip.