INDICAID®COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test FAQ


1. What is a SARS-CoV-2 Antigen?

An antigen is a molecule or molecular structure present in a pathogen that, when detected in the human body, can trigger an immune response. Common antigens include simple molecules such as carbohydrates, fats, hormones, and larger molecules including polysaccharides, phospholipids, nucleic acids, and proteins.

2. How does COVID-19 Antigen Tests work?

Antigens are present in SARS-CoV-2 viruses, which can often be found in the respiratory tract during early-stage infections (2-3 days). These antigens, when detected, can serve as markers for disease exposure. 

3. What sample types does INDICAID®use?

The test uses nasal swab samples, which are collected from the nostrils. 

4. How to use INDICAID®? Is it complicated?

INDICAID®is very easy to use:

  1. Gently insert the swab about 1 inch into one of your nostrils. Rub the swab against the wall of one of your nostrils at least 5 times in a large circular path. Repeat with your other nostril.
  2. Stir the swab into the buffer solution by twisting the swab back and forth 20 times.
  3. Drop 3 drops of the buffer solution into the test device.
  4. Leave for 20 minutes and read the results. Do not read after 25 minutes, as the results will be considered as invalid. 

5. Will the sample collection process cause any discomfort?

INDICAID's sample collection process is very simple. The swab only needs to be inserted about 1 inch into the nostrils (and not as far as the nasal cavity), which will not cause any pain or discomfort to the user.

6. How do I interpret the results?

  1. If a line appears in both regions (C) and (T), it means that the test result is positive. Please call our customer service hotline at +852-9014-6321 for consultation. 
  2. If a line appears in only region (C), it means that the test result is negative. Regular testing (at least once every week) is recommended. If you have had contact with a known or suspected COVID-19 case, you are recommended to take a PCR test.
  3. If no line appears in region (C), regardless of whether a line appears in region (T), it means that the test result is invalid. Repeat the test with a new test kit. 

7. How accurate is INDICAID®?

The accuracy of COVID-19 Antigen Tests is measured under two metrics. 

The first metric is sensitivity, which measures the ability to correctly identify positive patient samples. If a test kit has a high sensitivity, it means that the kit has a high positive percentage agreement and a low false negative rate. 

The second metric is specificity, which measures the ability to correctly identify negative patient samples. If a test kit has a high specificity, it means that the kit has a high negative percentage agreement and a low false positive rate.

INDICAID's overall sensitivity and specificity is 96% and 99% respectively. 

8. Has INDICAID®gone through any clinical validation?

INDICAID®has passed extensive clinical validation.

In Hong Kong Government’s Community Testing Scheme, INDICAID®has been used as part of the dual-track testing scheme along with COVID-19 PCR tests. As of January 2021, after the completion of 9236 clinical tests, it has been shown to reach accuracy comparable to PCR tests. This is the world's largest clinical study for a product of its kind.

9. Compared to other sampling methods, is using nasal swab samples more accurate?

COVID-19 is mainly airborne, and will first pass through the nasal cavity before entering the upper respiratory tract. Medical research shows a relatively high virus content can be found in nasal swab samples. Using nasal swab samples for COVID-19 testing is done internationally. Compared to other sampling methods, the use of nasal swab samples can guarantee a higher test sensitivity.

10. Who should use COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test?

  • People with relevant epidemiological or contact history with those who are suspected or have been infected with COVID-19.
  • People who have recently travelled to communities, shopping malls or other places related to a COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Frontline staff who are in frequent contact with customers.
  • People who frequently use mass public transportation.
  • People who attend large gatherings, visit communities or venues with a high population density.

11. How often should I conduct the test?

Compared to traditional PCR test, regular and frequent testing can better help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Below is a recommended testing frequency:

  • For low-risk populations, such as healthy and young individuals without frequent contact with crowds, it is recommended to test once per week. 
  • For moderate-risk populations, such as staff in small and medium enterprises, it is recommended to test twice per week. 
  • For high-risk populations, such as those who work in a dense and crowded environment or with the elderly, it is recommended to test every other day.

12. Is an empty stomach required for the test?

No. The test can be done at anytime.

Product demo video

Check out our INDICAID®COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test demonstration video here: