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Fluorescent Immunoassay for Antigen Detection in Respiratory Specimen (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test detects specific viral proteins in your respiratory sample, such as those from COVID-19, using a fluorescent antibody method.

Quick summary

["Quickly identifies certain viruses in your nasal or throat swab."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
108176-9
Short code
FLUAV H1 RNA Spec Ql NAA+n-prb
Synonyms
FLUAV H1 RNA Spec Ql NAA+n-prb
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
non-probe-amp-tar
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

How the Test Works

Your sample is tested for the presence of viral antigens (proteins) using a fluorescent immunoassay. Antibodies tagged with a fluorescent marker bind to the virus if it’s present, allowing for detection with a light-sensitive instrument.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a nasal or throat swab, similar to a cold test, and the lab will process it for detection.

Common Uses

This test is often used for rapid COVID-19 screening, especially in settings where quick results are needed, such as healthcare facilities or community testing.

Potential Limitations

Results may not be as sensitive as PCR tests for detecting early or low-level infections. False negatives can occur if the virus is not actively replicating at the time of testing.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Positive results strongly suggest the presence of the virus and may guide isolation or treatment decisions. Negative results do not always rule out infection, particularly if symptoms persist or testing was done too early.

Frequently asked questions

Why did my test come back positive?
A positive result means the test detected viral proteins in your sample, indicating likely infection. This could mean you are contagious and should follow public health guidelines for isolation.
Can I get false results?
Yes, false negatives are possible if the virus is not present in detectable amounts at the time of testing. False positives are rare but can occur due to cross-reactivity or lab errors.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within 15–30 minutes, depending on the lab’s workflow and testing volume.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy