FAQ RAPID COVID-19 & FLU A&B ANTIGEN SELF TEST

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Possible discomfort during sample collection

There are different kinds of tests for the viruses that cause COVID-19 and the flu. Molecular tests detect genetic material from the virus. Antigen tests, such as the SpeedySwab Rapid COVID-19 + FLU A&B Antigen Self Test, detect proteins from the virus. 

A positive result means that it is very likely you have COVID-19 or Influenza because proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19 or Influenza were found in your sample. You should self isolate  from others and contact a healthcare provider for medical advice  about your positive result. 

A negative test result indicates that antigens from the virus that causes COVID-19 or Influenza were not detected in your sample. However, if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or Influenza, and your first test is negative, you should test again in 48 hours since antigen tests are not as sensitive as molecular tests. 

If you have a negative result, it does not rule out SARS-CoV-2 or Influenza infection; you may still be infected and you may still infect others. It is important that you work with your healthcare provider to help you understand the next steps you should take. 

Clinical studies have shown that antigen tests more accurately determine whether you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 when taken multiple times across several days. 

Repeat testing improves test accuracy. 

An invalid result means the test was not able to tell if you have COVID-19 and Influenza infection or not. 

If the test is invalid, a new swab should be used to collect a new nasal specimen and you should test again with a new test.