SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test for Upper Respiratory Specimen
This test detects the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antigens in your upper respiratory tract, such as nasal or throat swabs, to help identify if you may have an active COVID-19 infection.
["A quick, at-home or clinic test for recent COVID-19 exposure that may show results in minutes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 97097-0
- Short code
- SARS-CoV-2 Ag Upper resp Ql IA.rapid
- Synonyms
- SARS-CoV-2 Ag Upper resp Ql IA.rapid
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia-rapid
- 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
The test uses a rapid immunoassay method to detect specific viral proteins (antigens) from SARS-CoV-2. When you provide a sample (e.g., nasal swab), antibodies in the test react with these antigens if they are present, producing a visible result.
Sample Collection
You’ll collect a sample from your upper respiratory tract, such as a nasal swab or throat swab. The test is designed for self-collection at home or professional collection in a clinic.
Test Results Interpretation
Results are typically shown as a line or color change within 15–30 minutes. A positive result indicates likely active infection, but it may not be 100% accurate. A negative result means you are unlikely to have an active infection, but it doesn’t rule out COVID-19 entirely.
Limitations and Considerations
This test is a screening tool and may not detect all cases of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been infected recently. It’s not used for diagnosis in clinical settings but can be useful for rapid screening in certain situations.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
While this test helps identify potential active infection, it is not a substitute for confirmatory PCR testing. Positive results warrant further evaluation, especially if symptoms persist or you’re at higher risk for severe illness. Negative results are useful for monitoring exposure but should not be the sole basis for reassurance.
Short name
SARS-CoV-2 Ag Rapid Test (Upper Resp)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can I use this test if I’ve already been vaccinated?
How soon after exposure can I get a positive result?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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