Antigenikoetta

Antigenikoetta, or antigen test, is a diagnostic test designed to detect specific proteins, or antigens, from a pathogen in a clinical specimen. They are commonly used to identify infections caused by viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and others. Antigenikoetta is typically faster and cheaper than molecular tests and can be performed at or near the point of care.

The test relies on immunoassays in which antibodies bind to a target antigen. Many antigen tests use a lateral flow format: the specimen is applied to a pad, and if the antigen is present, a labeled antibody produces a visible line on the device.

Specimens most often come from the nose or throat, usually via nasal or nasopharyngeal swabs; some tests work with saliva. Results are commonly available within 15 to 30 minutes and require little equipment, though sample collection quality affects accuracy.

On performance, antigenikoetta generally have high specificity, so positive results are reliable, but sensitivity is lower than that of RT-PCR. This means a higher risk of false negatives, especially when the viral load is low or the test is used outside peak infectious periods. A negative result does not definitively rule out infection, and follow-up testing with PCR may be recommended in some cases.

They are widely used for rapid screening in clinics, workplaces, schools, and travel settings, enabling rapid isolation decisions. Regulatory status varies by country, with many tests granted emergency use authorization or equivalent. Guidance often advises confirmatory testing with molecular methods when clinical suspicion remains high.