As of March 18th, 2022, China's National Medical Products Administration has approved 17 COVID-19 antigen self-testing products as a supplement to the standard nucleic acid testing to help fight the spread of the virus. Here is some important information about the newly approved COVID-19 antigen self-testing.
Q: Can antigen self-testing replace nucleic acid testing?
A: The nucleic acid test result is still essential to confirm novel coronavirus infection. Antigen testing uses the principle of immunology and can complete virus detection in a non-laboratory environment quickly. It is an effective supplement to nucleic acid testing but can not be a replacement. (See the article on page 1)
Q: Who can use COVID-19 antigen self-testing kits?
A: There are three groups of people who can use the antigen test kits:
Individuals visiting local clinics within five days of having respiratory symptoms or fever.
Those who are under quarantine.
And residents who want to take the test.
Q: Where do you get the self-test kits?
A: Community residents can buy self-test kits from retail drugstores and online sales channels.
For people under quarantine, administrative authorities organizing the quarantine, such as communities, villages and quarantine sites, are responsible for purchasing, distributing and managing the self-test kits.
Q: What are the procedures for self-testing?
A: The COVID-19 antigen self-testing generally uses nasal swab samples. Read and follow the instructions for use. Here is a quick guide.
Before taking the test:
You should wash your hands with water or sanitizer thoroughly.
Read the instructions.
Check the expiration date of the kit and the contents included in your kit.
Ensure the environment is suitable for performing the test. Please be aware that exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures and humid environments may affect self-testing accuracy.
Sample taking:
Blow your nose with the tissue before collecting the samples. Take the nasal swab out from its container and avoid touching the tip of the swab with your hands.
Insert the swab about 1-1.5 centimeters into one nostril while keeping your head slightly tilted. Rotate the swab inside the nostril wall at least four times and for no less than 15 seconds. Repeat the same process in the other nostril.
People aged 14 or older can take their own nasal samples. For children aged 2-14, the sample should be done by adults.
After sample-taking:
Place the nasal swab in the sampling tube immediately after taking the sample. The swab head should be rotated and mixed evenly in the preservation solution for at least 30 seconds. Squeeze the swab head through the outer wall of the sampling tube at least five times.
Press the cap tightly onto the tube to avoid any leaks.
Test the swab samples and wait for the results according to the instructions.
Q: How to read the results?
A: Positive result:
Two lines appear. One colored line should be in the control line region (called C-line), and another colored line should be in the test line region (called T-line).
Negative result:
Only C-line appears in red or purple.
Invalid result:
C-line does not appear in any color.
Q: What to do after testing positive from an antigen test?
A: People who have positive antigen test results should contact local authorities immediately, regardless of whether they have respiratory symptoms or a fever. They will be taken to specific medical facilities for nucleic acid testing.
(Source：CCTV)