After more than a year of the pandemic, they have been known everywhere in Germany since February 24, 2021: Antigen self-tests for everyone and at home to detect an infection with SARS-CoV-2. However, there are basics that must be observed for all tests. Every test has an expiration date that must not be exceeded. Just like with food, opened packaging must not be used here either, especially if the shrink-wrapped test cassette is no longer sealed.
What does a SARS-CoV-2 | Corona self-test do?
Regardless of whether it is a self-test or professional test, SARS-CoV-2 tests are about detecting viral material, particularly viral components. With PCR tests (professional tests), even the genetic material of the virus is detected. Self-tests naturally have to be so simple to use that even a layperson can easily take a sample and read the result without prior medical knowledge.
Note: Many of the rapid antigen tests work in a similarly simple way to a pregnancy test.
What test methods are available for SARS-CoV-2 | Corona self-tests?
Currently, two types of test methods are approved in Germany. On the one hand, the nasopharyngeal swab method and on the other hand, the saliva spitting method. The advantage of the nasopharyngeal swab method is that viral material is most reliably found in the pharyngeal mucus if one is infected.
- SARS-CoV-2 nasal swab (professional & self-test)
Using a thin cotton swab, sample material is taken from the nasopharyngeal area of the test person. For professional tests via the throat and deep nasal area, for self-tests from the front nasal area. - SARS-CoV-2 saliva test (self-test)
Using saliva that is spat into a tube, the virus can be detected. - SARS-CoV-2 gargle test (self-test)
Using a liquid (often saline solution) that is gargled by the person being tested, viral components can be detected in it. - SARS-CoV-2 lollipop tests (self-test)
The lollipop test is named that way because the test swab is sucked in the mouth like a lollipop. This test is frequently used in schools because both a pooled test and an individual test can be performed. The sample is taken using a cotton swab that is sucked in the mouth like a lollipop.
Note: The information provided here is for guidance and general purposes. Each test comes with instructions for use, which must be strictly followed in order to obtain a valid result. Therefore, perform the test according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Storage of SARS-CoV-2 self-tests
For most self-tests, a simple rule applies: it should not be too warm and not too cold. This means that SARS-CoV-2 self-tests must neither be stored in the refrigerator nor in direct sunlight. As with all tests performed at home, such influences can distort the results. Therefore, clear information: always store self-tests at room temperature. If the package insert mentions room and application temperature, the test must be removed from the package before use so that the test can adapt to the room temperature.
Application of SARS-CoV-2 self-tests
As with any health test, hygiene is fundamentally important. For example, if the work surface is not hygienically clean, the test result can be falsified. Before getting started, wash your hands thoroughly first and disinfect them if necessary. The most common self-tests are nasal-pharyngeal swab tests. With this swab, it is important that the supplied swab stick with the swab tip is rotated 4 times in the front nasal area in each nostril to have enough secretion on the swab.
The work surface should always be clean and before starting, you wash your hands thoroughly – among other things, because after stirring the swab tip in the buffer solution, you have to place a cap with a spout onto the tube. Tact and caution should be a given, since the swab is inserted two to four centimeters deep into the nostril. To prevent the risk of injury, the swab should be pushed flat toward the base of the ear canal, never diagonally upward! It is also important NOT to blow the nose beforehand, as this has a negative effect. The paler the color stripe on the test, the less secretion was collected to be tested.
Vaccination and false SARS-CoV-2 | Corona self-test results
Vaccination does introduce some coronavirus proteins into the body, but these usually remain near the injection site and the adjacent muscle tissue as well as lymph nodes. Only the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself can be detected in the upper respiratory tract after infection with SARS-CoV-2. Since vaccinated individuals can also become infected again, testing every now and then is not a bad idea.
IMPORTANT: Anyone wishing to buy tests should look for those approved by >> BfArM << rely on approved ones.
Asian young woman with hygiene protective face mask using SARS 2019-nCoV COVID-19 coronavirus antigen rapid test kit – ag test kit at home. COVID-19 antigen rapid test.
