At-home antigen tests are becoming more common and easier to use with each passing year. There are now a variety of tests that can be used to check for a multitude of different diseases safely and effectively. In fact, nowadays it is a common sight to see ready-to-use antigen tests in people’s homes alongside bandages and pain medication. However, not all tests are the same, and it is important that you understand how to use an antigen test correctly in order to reach an accurate diagnosis.
How to Take an Antigen Test
Whenever you are attempting to take an antigen test at home, the most important thing to remember is to read the instructions that come with the test carefully and follow them closely. Some tests require you to take a sample of saliva while others need to be inserted into the nose. Here, we will go over three of the most common antigen test types:Nasal Swab Antigen Test
- Place the provided swab into your left nostril until you feel resistance, usually about 2cm to 4cm.
- Gently roll the swab around inside your nose for a couple of seconds. Using the same swab, repeat this process in your right nostril.
- Insert the swab into the provided tube and stir it around for about a minute to make sure the liquid has a chance to absorb the sample on the swab.
- Finally, transfer a small amount of the liquid onto the testing device (usually 3-4 drops) and wait for the recommended time on the instructions leaflet (usually 15 minutes). The result will appear on the testing device.
Oral Swab Antigen Test
- Prior to doing the test, make sure the test card is at room temperature.
- Squeeze the provided extraction solution into the extraction tube while being careful not to let the solution run down the sides.
- Take the provided swab and insert the swab head between your upper and lower molar teeth. Slightly bite the swab head for about 10 seconds to allow for saliva absorption.
- Swirl the swab in the solution inside the extraction tube several times, and pinch the swab through the sides of the tube as you pull it out to drain any excess liquid into the bottom of the tube.
- Finally, transfer a small amount of the liquid onto the testing device (usually 2-3 drops) and wait for the recommended time on the instructions leaflet (usually 15 minutes). The result will appear on the testing device.
Lollipop Antigen Test
- Before taking a lollipop antigen test, make sure you do not put anything in your mouth for at least 30 minutes beforehand. This includes eating, drinking, brushing, smoking, chewing gum, etc. You will also want to make sure you grab a tissue and cough into it just before starting the test.
- Hold the applicator by the large flat end and place the sponge end on the tip of your tongue.
- Rub the sponge from the front to the back of your tongue and side to side. Do this for about 90 seconds. Afterwards, the sponge should be soft and the dot on the other side of the sponge should be blue.
- Push the sponge face down into the slot of the provided testing device until you hear it click into place.
- Wait for the recommended time on the instructions leaflet (usually 10-15 minutes). The result will appear on the testing device
- Wash or sanitise your hands before using the test, and make sure any surfaces used are also clean.
- Have the different elements of the test ready and organised before you begin.
- Do not press the swab against anything that it is not meant to be testing (e.g. your hands, table, etc.).
- All children should have a parent or guardian do their test for them. Lollipop and oral swab tests are more suited to children and the elderly compared to nasal swab tests.
- Make sure to check the test result as soon as the required time is up. Waiting too long to check the results may result in an incorrect diagnosis.
How to Read an Antigen Test
Different antigen tests need to be read differently in order to determine a correct diagnosis. It is very important to read the instructions that come with the test carefully and follow them closely. In general, testing devices will have a white area to the side of two letters: a “C” on top of a “T”. The C is the control zone and the T is the test zone. The control zone should always have a line show up next to it. That line proves the test is valid. If there is no line next to the control zone or “C”, then the test is invalid and will need to be repeated with a new testing device.
What Does a Positive Antigen Test Look Like
The test zone or “T” represents the results of your specific test. If a line does not appear next to the “T”, then the result of the test is negative. In other words, you DO NOT have the disease you are testing for. However, if a line does appear next to the “T”, then the result of the test is positive. In other words, you DO have the disease you are testing for. Even if the line next to the “T” is very faint, it should still be interpreted as a positive result. Make sure to check the test result as soon as the required time is up. Waiting too long to check the results may result in an incorrect diagnosis. 
Positive Antigen Test, What to Do
Each country has its own specific rules and recommendations regarding what to do if you have a positive antigen test. The answer is affected both by what disease you are testing for and your own specific health limitations (as well as the limitations of anyone you may be living with). If you test positive using an at-home antigen test, it is always a good idea to contact your regular pharmacy or family doctor and ask for their advice. They know your personal situation and medical history and are therefore best qualified to help you. In the meantime, here are some other helpful tips to follow if you get a positive antigen test result:
- If you test positive on an antigen test, you should isolate yourself at home for at least 5 days starting from the day your symptoms appeared. You can leave home after 5 days if your symptoms have fully or mostly disappeared for the last 48 hours.
- It's OK to leave home after 5 days if you still have a mild cough or changes to your sense of smell. These can last for weeks after the infection has gone.
- Monitor your symptoms closely and call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or loss of speech or mobility.
If the person who tested positive is aged over 60 or under 16, certain additional considerations need to be taken into account:
- You should seek immediate care if a baby is unable to breastfeed, or if a child is unable to drink, has high fever, rapid breathing, suddenly appears lethargic or doesn’t interact when they are awake, or if their face or lips turn blue.
- Your child can leave home and return to normal activities after 3 days if they feel well and do not have a high temperature (38 degrees Celsius or higher).
- Think up ways for family members to stay connected with other family and friends while staying isolated.
- The caregiver should wear a medical mask and latex gloves when caring for the infected person and should wash their hands before AND after any interaction with the infected person. Stay at least 1 metre away from the sick person and, where possible, open windows to bring fresh air into the sick person’s room.
- If possible, there should be only one person, who is healthy and not at high risk, in the household providing care to the person with infection. The designated caregiver should take care of the person at all times and monitor their symptoms and safety.
How Long Does an Antigen Test Stay Positive
If you have tested positive for an infectious disease like Covid-19 using a rapid antigen test, there is no need to take another test to confirm it. Instead, follow the recommended quarantine guidelines and stay isolated for a minimum of 5 days after the first day you develop symptoms. The CDC also advises wearing a high-quality mask, such as an FFP2 mask, through day 10.
If you need to take multiple at-home tests, keep in mind you will likely continue to test positive for at least nine days. People with severe COVID-19 or a weak immune system often test positive for longer than nine days because they have a harder time getting rid of the virus. Some people may test positive even after the majority of the symptoms have dissipated because traces of the virus are still in their system. In those cases, it is best to assume you are still contagious and to continue wearing a high-quality mask and medical gloves around others. After 48 hours, you may take another rapid antigen test to see if you still test positive. You can consider yourself not infectious after two consecutive negative rapid antigen test results and end your isolation.
Where can I Buy an Antigen Test for Covid 19?
If you are looking for where to buy an antigen test in Ireland, Crowley’s Pharmacy has a variety of different Covid-19 antigen tests, including the three types outlined in this article. All of our Covid-19 tests meet strict EU standards and can be delivered throughout Ireland.
