Corona self-test & SARS-CoV-2 professional test – explanation, application & tips

After more than a year of pandemic, they have now been known everywhere in Germany since 24.02.2021: The antigen self-tests for everyone and at home to detect an infection with SARS-CoV-2. However, there are basic things to keep in mind for all tests. Each test has a best-before date that must not be exceeded. As with food, opened packaging must not be used, especially if the shrink-wrapped test cassette is no longer sealed.

What does a SARS-CoV-2 do | Corona self-test test?

Whether self-test or professional test, the SARS-CoV-2 tests are about detecting viral material, especially virus components. The PCR tests (professional test) even detect the genetic material of the virus. Of course, the self-tests must be so easy to use that even a layperson can take a sample without any problems and read the result without any prior medical knowledge.

Note: Many of the rapid antigen tests work as easily as a pregnancy test.

What test methods for SARS-CoV-2 | Corona self-test is there?

Currently, two types of test methods are approved in Germany. On the one hand, the nasopharyngeal swab method and on the other hand, the saliva-spit method. The advantage of the nasopharyngeal swab method is that there is the safest viral material in the pharyngeal mucus if you are infected.

1. SARS-CoV-2 nasal swab (professional & self-test)
   Using a thin cotton swab, sample material is taken from the test person's nasopharyngeal area. In the professional tests over the throat and the deep nose area, in the self-tests from the front of the nose.
2. SARS-CoV-2 spit test (self-test)
   The virus can be detected by means of saliva, which is spat into a tube.
3. SARS-CoV-2 gargle test (self-test)
   By means of a liquid (often saline solution), which is gargled by the person to be tested, the virus components can be detected in it.
4. SARS-CoV-2 lollipop tests (self-test)
   The lollipop test is so called because the test stick is sucked in the mouth like a lollipop. This test is often used in schools because both a pool and an individual test are taken. The sample is taken via a cotton swab, which is sucked in the mouth like a lollipop.

Note: The information mentioned here is for guidance and general information. Each test is accompanied by instructions for use, which must be followed in order to be able to obtain a valid result. Therefore, carry out the test according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Storage of SARS-CoV-2 self-tests

For most self-tests, a simple rule applies: It should not be too warm and not too cold. This means that the SARS-CoV-2 self-tests must not be stored in the refrigerator or in the blazing sun. As with all tests that are carried out at home, such influences can falsify the results. Therefore, clear information: Always store self-tests at room temperature. If the package insert refers to room and application temperature, it is necessary to remove the test from the package before use so that the test can approach room temperature.

Application of SARS-CoV-2 self-tests

As with any health test, hygiene is of elementary importance. If, for example, the work surface is not hygienically clean, the test result can be falsified. Before you can get started, wash your hands thoroughly and disinfect them if necessary. The most common self-tests are the nasopharyngeal swab tests. For this swab, it is important that the swab stick supplied with the swab tip is rotated 4 times in the anterior nasal area in each nostril in order to have enough secretion on the swab.

The work surface should always be clean and before you start, wash your hands thoroughly – among other things, because after stirring the swab tip in the buffer solution, you have to put a cap with a spout on the tube. Tact and caution should be logical, because the swab is pushed two to four centimeters deep into the nostril. To prevent the risk of injury, the swab should be pushed flat towards the floor of the ear canal, never diagonally upwards! It is also important NOT to snort / blow your nose beforehand, as this has a negative effect. The paler the color stripe on the test, the less secretion was absorbed to be tested.

Vaccination and false SARS-CoV-2 | Corona self-test test results

Vaccination brings some proteins of the coronavirus into the body, but these usually remain near the injection and the adjacent muscle tissue and lymphs. Only the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself can be detected in the upper respiratory tract after infection with SARS-CoV-2. Since vaccinated people can also become infected again, a test from time to time is not a bad idea.

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