Self-test Corona layman test - information on self-application

Corona self-test — Early detection

Self-tests can help detect infections early and prevent them from spreading. They can help to get a better overview of the infection situation directly on site. So you reduce the risk in your personal environment.
A self-test for the detection of corona viruses of the SARS Covid 2 variety is a specific antigen test that only detects the coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease.
There are also other coronaviruses that can cause colds or other respiratory infections, but these are not covered by this test.
 

Why is this type called Corona Test self-test?

The self-test is called that because it is carried out by yourself and not necessarily by professional staff. You can do it yourself at home or elsewhere to find out whether you have been infected with the coronavirus or not. Self-tests are now available for the detection of many pathogens. They have become common in diagnosis. Here we are interested in the virus SARS Covid 2.
 

Test for personal use, CE marking

Self-tests for Covid SARS 2 viruses have the official classification as a test for self-use and a CE marking.  This means that they meet certain quality and safety standards.
The self-test does not differ from the professional test in the composition of the test strip, the antigens there and the test liquid. It's just a matter of approval as a self-test or non-admission.
Differences between self-tests and professional tests can only be found in the instructions for use, which are written in a more understandable way for laypeople.
In a few years, the distinction between self-test and professional test will probably be eliminated again. Soon everyone will be so familiar with the test kits that different approvals will make no sense.
 

Background on the Covid self-test / antigen test / medicine cabinet

During use, the antigen test specifically checks only the presence of a specific part of the corona virus.
It checks whether certain proteins of the Corona virus, which are very typical of the Corona virus SARS Covid 2, are present or not in the sample taken during the test. These specifically sought-after proteins have not yet been affected by the mutations of the Sars Covid viruses in many variants. So far, these proteins have always remained present when it comes to SARS Covid 2. They are therefore ideal for detecting SARS Covid 2.
If these specific proteins are found on the surface of the coronavirus during use, the test detects the corona viruses, which belong to the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 strain. The test then turns out positive.
 

How does the self-test for corona viruses work?

The sample of human organic secretion is placed in a transfer fluid in a small tube after collection from the human body.
If viral proteins are present in the secretion, the transfer fluid dissolves these virus proteins. This makes them easier to recognize for the upcoming antibodies in the test strip. Antibodies report here in the test strip. They are built into the test strip as the actual reagent. So they are the reporters here, the detectors who say yes or no. who say Corona Sars Covid viruses are present or not present. These molecularly small detectors emit a signal in the form of test strips.
So you put the mixture prepared in this way as a drop of the liquid on the separate test strip. This is always included with every test. This test strip is coated with these special antibodies that can report and make visible.
To put it more technically, these antibodies bind to the proteins of the virus when they are present and thus the virus. They produce a color reaction on the test strip.
Depending on the test, the result can be positive, negative or invalid.
An antigen test, carried out as a self-test, can deliver a result within minutes, at the latest within 15 to 30 minutes. The layman's rapid tests are therefore particularly suitable for everyday use. Best in everyday lifeThere is no time for long waits or even time to go to a test center.
 

The layman's test for coronaviruses is the Covid self-test?

Yes, exactly. These many terms for the same thing.
You use the self-test or layman's test on your own responsibility and independently. This keeps you independent of medical facilities for as long as possible. Self-testing is a convenient way to test yourself for COVID-19 without having to go to a medical facility.
The future and widespread use in prevention and diagnosis belong to him. Where the specialist is not necessarily needed, the layman's test will be used. It is also suitable for situations in which quick proof is required.
The self-test now belongs in every medicine cabinet and should always be reordered in good time. It is therefore a layman's test, as it is also called.
 

Application self-test / Corona layman test - test for self-use

The Corona test as a self-test / layman's test is nothing other than the antigen test, which you can do yourself at home.
A sample is taken from the nose or throat or from saliva and examined for the presence of viral proteins (antigens).
You take a sample from your mouth with a cotton swab or saliva and put it into a solution in a tube provided. The secretion and solution should then be mixed a little in the tube closed at the bottom so that the secretion and buffer solution mix with each other.
The mixed solution mixed in this way is then dripped onto a test strip that is coated with specific antibodies that bind to the antigens of SARS-CoV-2.
If the virus is present in the sample, a colored line will form on the test strip. The test is evaluated within a few minutes, up to 15 minutes.
 

Evaluation of the self-test / layperson test

A negative result does not rule out infection. It may be that not enough corona viruses were captured in the sample to complete the test. In addition, the self-tests are only a snapshot. They only show whether you are clearly infectious at the time of the test or not.
The test certainly doesn't see what happened 5 minutes ago. If you are infected, you do not become infectious within minutes. Tests cannot rule out the possibility that you were infected shortly before or after the test. The corona viruses must have multiplied several times and be present in a sufficient quantity for the test and therefore detectable. This can take hours or even several days after the actual infection until Covid 19 becomes detectable.
A negative self-test or rapid test does not necessarily mean that you have not been infected and will not be able to infect someone else in the near future. You should not move around without any protective measures if you already know of a situation with Covid 19 in your area.
 

Negative test and protective measures are two different things.

Depending on the situation, you should continue to adhere to the applicable rules on hygiene, distance and possible mask requirements. A negative self-test does not mean that you no longer need to protect yourself. It just means that at the moment the virus cannot be detected by an antigen test carried out as a layperson would do. Self-tests and antigen tests are not a replacement for the hygiene and distance rules.
The significance of an antigen test therefore depends on various factors, such as the time at which the sample was taken during the course of the disease, the quality of the test and how the test was carried out.
An antigen test does not rule out infection with the coronavirus with 100% certainty. The same applies to confirmation, but to a much lesser extent.
 

What is included in a self-test?

What needs to be in the pack? A self-test consists of a test strip, a swab, an extraction solution and instructions for use.
You have to insert the swab deep into the nose or throat, dip it into the extraction solution and then drip it onto the test strip.
After a short wait you can read the result.
When carrying out a self-test, the layperson should pay particular attention to the quality of the sample taking, i.e. to whether it was carried out properly in accordance with the procedure. Instructions for use. She is crucial. Of course, if you use it yourself, you avoid gern a deeper sampling.
The only difference to professional testing, carried out by trained personnel, is that the collection of the secretion may be carried out more thoroughly by professional users.
 

Instructions for lay tests / instructions for use of self-tests

The instructions for a self-test or a rapid test vary depending on the manufacturer and the method of sampling. You should always read and follow the instructions for use of the respective test carefully.
Before the test, it is recommended to wash or disinfect your hands and have all the necessary materials ready.
Take the test strip out of the packaging and place it on a flat surface.
You take the sample from yourself and add it to the liquid. Then you put a drop of the liquid on the test strip.  From then on, time can be stopped. After the specified time you can read the result, usually beforehand.
After the test, you should dispose of the used materials and wash or disinfect your hands again.
The result of the test should be documented and, if necessary, reported to the employer or relevant authority.
A positive self-test or rapid test means you can prepare for the course of the disease, subsequently better protect others from infection and behave carefully and considerately in human contact.
 

Storage, storage temperature Corona tests

You should also make sure that the test is stored at room temperature and has not expired.
Storage is another important factor affecting the quality of the tests. The tests should be protected from moisture, heat and direct sunlight. The optimal storage temperature is between 2 and 30 degrees Celsius. The tests should not be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. If the tests are stored incorrectly, they can be damaged and give incorrect results.
The storage of self-tests and lay tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 is an important factor in the reliability of the results. Storage refers to the conditions under which the tests must be stored to maintain their effectiveness
Self-tests and lay tests are medical products that must meet certain quality standards.
The manufacturers therefore indicate in the instructions for use how the tests should be stored to ensure their functionality. As a rule, the tests must be protected from moisture, heat and direct sunlight.
The optimal storage temperature can vary depending on the product, but is usually between 2°C and 30°C.
 

Best before date self-tests MHD layman tests

Expiry date, self-tests, storage and layman testing are important aspects that must be taken into account when using rapid tests for COVID-19.
The expiration date indicates until when the test can be used without affecting the results. Lay tests are tests that can be carried out by lay people under the supervision of specialist personnel.
It is important to pay attention to the expiration date of the tests as these are sensitive products that may become unreliable after the expiry date.
The expiry date is usually stated on the packaging or test strip. If the expiration date has expired or cannot be determined, the test should not be used.
It is important not to use the tests if they have expired or show signs of damage or contamination. Correct storage of self-tests and lay tests helps avoid false-negative or false-positive results and protects the health of users.
 

Manufacturer date - expiry date

However, please do not confuse the manufacturing date with the expiry date. The manufacture date is usually stamped into the small pack of the test strip, not the expiry date.