Introduction

Antigen rapid tests have become a crucial tool in the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. These tests offer quick and relatively inexpensive means to detect active infections, allowing for timely decision-making and containment measures. However, questions about their accuracy persist. This article reviews the accuracy of antigen rapid tests, including a focus on solutions offered by Joinstar Company.

Accuracy of Antigen Rapid Tests

The accuracy of antigen rapid tests is generally evaluated by two primary metrics: sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity measures the test's ability to correctly identify those with the infection (true positive rate), whereas specificity measures the test's ability to correctly identify those without the infection (true negative rate).

Studies have shown varying results under different conditions:

• Sensitivity: Ranges from 50% to 85% depending on factors like the viral load in the sample, timing of the test relative to infection onset, and sample quality.
• Specificity: Generally high, often above 95%, meaning false positives are rare.

Numerical Analysis

To provide a more quantitative view, consider the following data derived from various clinical studies and evaluations:

• In a sample of 1000 people where the infection prevalence is 10%, with a test sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 98%:
• 70 true positives identified
• 20 false negatives (infected but not detected by the test)
• 882 true negatives (correctly identified as not infected)
• 18 false positives (not infected but identified as infected)
• The overall accuracy in this scenario would be 95.2%.

Joinstar Company Solutions

Joinstar Biomedical Technology, a prominent player in the diagnostics market, has developed several antigen rapid tests with varying features tailored to different needs.

• Joinstar Antigen Rapid Test Kit:
  • Sensitivity: Up to 80% in symptomatic individuals.
  • Specificity: Maintains a rate of 98%.
  • Time to result: Approximately 15 minutes.
• Deployment:
  • Used widely in airports, schools, and healthcare settings.
  • Offers ease of use with minimal training requirements.

Conclusion

Antigen rapid tests, with their fast and affordable diagnostics capabilities, remain vital in controlling COVID-19. While they offer high specificity, their sensitivity varies, necessitating careful consideration of their use in different scenarios. Joinstar's solutions contribute valuable options with strong specificity and practical deployment capabilities.

References

• World Health Organization. (2021). Antigen-detection in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection using rapid immunoassays. WHO.
• CDC. (2021). Interim Guidance for Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Joinstar Biomedical Technology. (2023). Product Catalogue. Joinstar.