COVID-19/FLU A&B Rapid Antigen Test FAQs

What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 most often causes mild respiratory symptoms that might not require specialized treatment. Whereas those who become severely ill should consider being hospitalized for treatments. Older adults and people who have certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. People of any age can be infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus, develop severe illness and even die from COVID-19.

Most common symptoms of infection include fever, cough and shortness of breath etc. SARS-CoV-2 virus can be spread from infected persons before and after developing symptoms.

Please refer to the following website for more information about COVID-19 symptoms:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

What is influenza (flu)?
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.

Flu A and B viruses are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics. Elderly people, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant people, and children younger than 5 years are regarded to have higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications. It is difficult to differentiate between COVID-19 and flu since they both share similar symptoms of infection.

Please refer to the following website for more information about flu symptoms:
www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm

Why use COVID-19/Flu A&B rapid antigen test?
Although COVID-19 and flu A&B share similar symptoms, incl. fever, chills, cough, sore throat and runny nose etc., different treatments and quarantine measures are required. Using rapid test to differentiate the 2 diseases can allow you to receive appropriate treatment in time.

People infected with flu viruses and have developed serious or persistant symptoms should seek medical advice promptly. In case of bacterial infection, you should take antibiotics prescribed by doctors and follow professional medical suggestions. High-risk groups for flu complications incl. childrem, ages 50+ and chronically ill patients should also take antiviral medicines prescribed by doctors in the first 48 hours of flu-like symptoms to lower the risk of developing complications.

People infected with SARS-CoV-2 are recommended to seek medical advice promptly, while their family members and close contacts should also get tested.

Are COVID-19 and flu caused by the same virus?
No, COVID-19 and flu are caused by SARS-CoV-2 and flu viruses respectively.
What is 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.
How does rapid antigen test work?
Antigens are present in SARS-CoV-2 and flu A & B viruses, which can often be found in the respiratory tract during early-stage infections (6 days). These antigens, when detected, can serve as markers for disease exposure.
What type of specimen does it use?
The test uses shallow nasal swab samples, which are collected from the nostrils.
How to use? Is it complicated?
  1. Collect anterior nasal swab specimen
  2. Stir the swab into the buffer solution by twisting the swab back and forth 20 times
  3. Drop 4 drops of the buffer solution into the test device
  4. Read the results promptly in 15 minutes (results after 20 minutes should not be used)

INDICAID™ COVID-19/FLU A&B Rapid Antigen Test Instruction Video
Does the sample collection process cause any discomfort?
The 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.
Who should perform the swabbing process? Can children be tested?
People aged 2 or above are eligible for the test. Swabbing should be performed by an adult for children aged 2 to 13.
How to interpret the results?
  • Negative: 'C' line only
  • Positive: 'C' line AND any 'A', 'B', or 'CoV' line
  • Invalid: No 'C' line. If no ‘C’ line is seen, the test result is INVALID even if you see ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘CoV’ line(s)
What does an invalid result mean?
The test could not tell whether or not you have COVID-19, flu A, or flu B. The test needs to be repeated with a new kit and freshly collected anterior nasal swab sample.

If you develop COVID-19, flu A or flu B symptoms or your symptoms become severe, seek medical attention immediately.

What does a positive result mean?
The SARS-CoV-2, flu A and / or flu B virus(es) were detected in your sample. It is very likely that you have the respective infection(s) and are contagious, you should seek medical advice promptly. There is a very small chance that this test can give an incorrect positive result (false positive). Your doctor will work with you to determine how best to care for you based on your test results along with your medical history and symptoms.

Co-infection with SARS-CoV-2, flu A and/ or flu B is rare. If results are positive for more than one test lines, the sample should be retested with new test kit. Report all results obtained from this test kit to your doctor.

What does a negative result mean?
The proteins from SARS-CoV-2, flu A, and / or flu B were not detected in the sample. A negative result does not rule out SARS-CoV-2, flu A and/or flu B infection. There is a higher chance of false negative results with antigen tests than with laboratory-based molecular tests. This means that there is a higher chance this test will give you a negative result when you have SARS-CoV-2, flu A, and/or flu B.

If you tested negative and continue to experience COVID-19, flu A, or flu B-like symptoms of fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath, you should seek follow-up care with your doctor.

What should be done when coinfected with more than 1 viruses?
Co-infection with SARS-CoV-2, flu A and/ or flu B is rare. If results are positive for more than one test lines, the sample should be retested with new test kit. Report all results obtained from this test kit to your doctor.
The test is suitable for:
  • Immunocompromised people incl. children, elderly and chronically ill patients
  • People with relevant epidemiological or contact history with those who are suspected or have been infected with COVID-19
  • 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
Is an empty stomach required for the test?
No. The test can be done at anytime.