Let's see how to do the antigen test step by step so you can self-diagnose yourself at home with a blood test. COVID-19 detection for sale in pharmacies. And the antigen tests are now on sale in pharmacies around the world without the need for a medical prescription. But how are these tests used? First of all, we must be clear that these antigen test They serve to detect the presence of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in our body. Of course, for the antigen test to be effective, it is necessary to follow a series of steps that we detail below. Do not miss everything you need to know about antigen tests and how to do it step by step.
How to do the pharmacy antigen test
Index of contents
-
When to do the antigen test
-
What does the antigen test include?
-
How the antigen test is done
-
How to interpret the antigen test result
-
What to do if the result is positive
-
What to do if the result is negative
When to do the antigen test
The ideal is to perform the antigen test in the first seven days from infection or in the first five days with symptoms, moment in which the viral load is higher in the body.
What does the antigen test include?
The antigen kits sold in pharmacies usually include, depending on the manufacturer, a swab or stick For sampling, a reaction solution, a sample processing tube with a cap with dispenser and the plastic card that will show the result of the test, that is, positive or negative.
How the antigen test is done
The test must be completed immediately after taking the sample. After reading the manufacturer's instructions to clear up any doubts, the first thing of all will be wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then follow the following steps:
- Take the swab or stick and insert the protected part into your nose for a few two centimeters (You don't have to put the stick as deep as in the PCR tests in the toilets).
- With the stick inside the nose, move it inside the two holes, turning it, between 10 and 20 seconds, until you think it has been well impregnated.
- Now slowly take it out of your nose and insert the swab or stick into the tube that comes with the kit; Make sure the sample is at the bottom of the container.
- Pour the reagent liquid in the tube with the swab inside and check that the sample and solution mix well; now cap the container.
- Open the plastic tube and put a few drops of the tube sample into the letter hole Yes (of sample, "sample" in English).
- Finally, wait the time indicated by the manufacturer, which is usually between 10 and 15 minutes. The sample cannot be left longer than recommended so as not to induce erroneous results.
How to interpret the antigen test result
If the plastic card shows two colored lines, one in the hole control (C) and another in the hole test (T), means that the result is positive, or what is the same, that you have COVID-19.
On the other hand, if only a colored line in the gap of control (C), means that the result is negative and that your body does not have the presence of coronavirus antigens.
What to do if the result is positive
If the result is positive it is necessary to start a isolation or quarantine and contact the Health services established for this purpose, different for each Autonomous Community in Spain.
What to do if the result is negative
On the other hand, if the result is negative, it is not advisable to relax protection measures in front of coronavirus. Furthermore, even though the saga is negative, if the person has COVID-19 symptoms or has been in direct contact with a positive, you have to start a isolation or quarantine and contact the Health services established for this purpose, different for each Autonomous Community in Spain.
