Questions & Answers

AT WHAT STAGE CAN THE ANTIGEN OR THE ANTIBODIES BE DETECTED?

The antigen test is reliable for the first seven days of infection while the antibody test is most reliable 10 days (or more) after symptoms first show.

See Diagram 1 for an approximate time frame for the virus and antibodies.

IN WHAT FORMAT WOULD TH RESULTS BE RECEIVED?

The results are available in electronically format or as pdf-file. They giving simply a “detected” or “undetected” result, depending on whether the antigen or antibody is present or not.

CAN I COLLECT A SAMPLE AT HOME?

Sample collection ist critical for accurate results so for all Antigen & Antibody testing we suggest that ONLY samples collected by a trained clinician are used.

HOW SOON AFTER THE SAMPLE IS TAKEN SHOULD THE TEST BE DONE?

The sample should submitted after it is taken. If it is received at our laboratory more than 4 days after sample is taken, the antigen may no longer be present on the swab, which could potentially lead to a “false negative” result.