| ANTIGEN TEST | ANTIBODY TEST | SURFACE ANTIBODY TEST | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCIENTIFIC DESCRIPTION | Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTqPCR) detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus | Serological immunoassays that detect viral-specific antibodies (for example IgM, IgA, and IgG) | Screen for envelope gene followed by confirmatory RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 virus |
| POTENTIAL UTILISATION | Tests if a donor has the virus and has potential to be contagious | Tests if a donor has had the virus and has the potential to be immune | Environmental test for SARS-CoV-2 to determine efficacy of cleaning regimes and general hygiene levels in office, communal and production areas |
| OPERATION | Swab from the deep nasal area | Blood sample (minimum of 2mL) | Environmental surfaces sampled with pre-moistened swab |
| SPEED OF TESTING | 24 hours* | 24-48 hours* | 4 days* (3 days to screen for corona- virus, 1 day to confirm presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus). |
| APPROVED TESTS | Tests are run at a laboratory holding ISO accreditation | Tests are run at a laboratory holding ISO accreditation | Tests are run at a laboratory holding ISO accreditation. Swab kits are UN 3373 compliant |
Diagram 1 – Approximate time frames for the prevalance of antigens and antibodies
