What You Need to Know about Antigen Test?

An antigen test is a test that is performed to identify the presence of antigens in the human body. Antigens are the substances that are responsible for the release of antibodies, which is a kind of immune response. This immune response can be caused by human cells and tissues.

A rapid antigen test is conducted by taking a test sample that is a swab of the nose or throat. The test sample confirms the presence or absence of a virus in the human body. One can get an over-the-counter antigen test at an affordable price that shows the presence or absence of a virus in the form of physical change, which is similar to a pregnancy test. It is a simple test that gives a quick result to determine whether a person is infected by the virus or not. Alternatively, you can get an antigen test done at a medical laboratory. The phlebotomist collects a test sample, which is used to conduct the test. Usually, the test report is generated within a day.

How Does An Antigen Test Work?

The process of getting an antigen test done is quite simple and requires only a few minutes. The phlebotomist carries a sterile container and a test kit to collect samples. They take a nose or throat sample and keep it in a liquid containing soap and salt. This solution breaks down the particles and cells. The sample is applied to a test strip that has antibodies related to a specific virus. The antigen binds to the antibody. A positive report confirms the presence of the virus, and a negative test report confirms its absence. 

Benefits of Getting an Antigen Test Done

• This test can be easily conducted to get the test report within a few hours.
• It does not require any specific preparation to get the test done.
• It confirms the presence or absence of a virus inside the human body.
• It is a very inexpensive test.

Risk Factors of Getting an Antigen Test Done

There is no risk of getting an antigen test done. If a person shows visible symptoms, then they should get this test conducted. If there is a large amount of virus in the human body, then this test produces accurate results. However, it may not give a proper result. So, if the individual is in an early stage of infection, getting an antigen test may not give an accurate report.

It is highly recommended that one get an antigen test done in a medical laboratory to get accurate and reliable results.