What It Is

The IC Labs COVID-19 diagnostic antigen test uses a sample taken from a nasal swab to detect the nucleocapsid protein from SARS-CoV-2, commonly known as the corona virus.

It is known in China as Antigen Rapid Test (ART). Negative results from this test are accepted by Chinese Customs on the Health Declarations Form if taken within 48 hours of boarding a flight to China.

If this rapid diagnostic test is positive, it means that the person is CURRENTLY infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Once the infection is gone, the antigen disappears, and the test will be negative.

A positive test is considered very accurate, but it’s possible to be infected with the virus and have a negative antigen result. Testing less than five to six days after exposure to the corona virus is likely to produce a negative antigen result. No Covid-19 test is 100% accurate, so it’s important to follow Covid-19 guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, such as social distancing.

This test is suitable for humans of any age, including infants.

We utilize the Sofia SARS Antigen Fluorescent Immunoassay (FIA). This test uses advanced immunofluorescence-based lateral flow technology and has been authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use by authorized laboratories.