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Non-invasive Covid-19 antigen LFT with rapid results

  • Rapid Covid tests for the workplace
  • Non-invasive, only requires nostril swabs
  • Results in 15 minutes
  • Identify a current Covid-19 infection

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A premium non-invasive antigen lateral flow test with rapid results

Our non-invasive LFT identifies an active COVID-19 infection using just a nose sample. Results are available within 15 minutes, with no laboratory testing required.

Our lateral flow antigen devices offer a high diagnostic specificity and diagnostic sensitivity and are suitable for testing employees in the workplace for Covid-19. This allows identification of the virus from 14 days after initial exposure or after the onset of symptoms, while minimising the risk of false negative results.

To get a quote for high volume, bulk orders please complete the contact form or email workplace@alphabiolabs.com

How does the non-invasive  lateral flow test work?

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How do I understand the lateral flow test results?

A total of two detection lines are possible. The control (C) line appears when the sample flows through the testing device cassette, after the buffer liquid containing the sample has been added.

Negative Result

The test result is negative if only the quality control line (C) appears. This means no COVID-19 specific antigens have been detected.

Positive Result

The test result is positive if the quality control line (C) and the antigen detection line (T) appear. This means COVID-19 specific antigens have been detected.

Where this is the case, the tested individual must follow the latest government guidance on quarantining and self-isolation.

If the quality control line (C) does not appear or it takes over 15 minutes for the line(s) to appear, the test results are invalid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of the AlphaBiolabs non-invasive COVID-19 antigen lateral flow test in the workplace?

Why wait for results? The AlphaBiolabs non-invasive antigen LFT is an affordable, fast, and accurate way to determine the infection status of employees on-site or returning to the workplace.

New variants of the virus are common, and it is essential to choose a COVID-19 testing partner that has the expertise to identify the most prevalent variations of the virus in the UK. Our non-invasive LFT is one of the most sensitive and specific antigen lateral flow devices available, which helps to minimise false negatives.

What’s the difference between the lateral flow test and the RT-PCR test?

The COVID-19 RT-PCR test detects the virus’ genetic material (RNA) within a positive sample. A laboratory process is required to test the sample and can take up to 24 hours to return a result from the time of sample collection.

The COVID-19 LFT detects specific proteins situated on the cell membranes of the COVID-19 virus. These proteins are known as antigens and can be quickly detected, within 15 minutes, using the lateral flow immunoassay device.

Our non-invasive LFTs only require a swab sample from the nose. The RT-PCR test requires swab samples to be taken from both the nose and throat areas. All samples can be collected by the individual themselves.

Both the LFT and the RT-PCR test are effective methods for detecting the presence of the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus but the LFT delivers quicker results.

How quickly can I get the results?

The test is designed to give you a result within 15 minutes, after the swab sample has been placed in the sample well of the immunoassay device. There is no need to send your sample to our laboratory for confirmatory testing.

If you prefer to have a ‘back to lab’ COVID-19 PCR test, click here.

Is the lateral flow test CE marked?

Yes, we only choose lateral flow devices that are CE marked. According to Directive 98/79/EC on in-vitro-diagnostic devices (Annex III), our COVID-19 lateral flow immunoassay device conforms with the Essential Requirements Annex I of the directive (98/79/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 1998) on in-vitro diagnostic medical devices.

Our lateral flow devices are suitable for their intended application which is for professional use.

Is the lateral flow device approved by the MHRA?

We ensure that the lateral flow immunoassay screening devices contained within our lateral flow testing kits exceed the minimum specification detailed on page 8 in the attached MHRA report.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-tests-and-testing-kits-for-coronavirus-covid-19-work

How accurate is the non-invasive antigen lateral flow test?

We only choose the highest quality non-invasive lateral flow screening devices that exhibit a diagnostic sensitivity for COVID-19 specific antigens of over 96%, and a diagnostic specificity of over 97%.

Is it possible to get a false negative result?

It has been reported that there is up to a 30% risk that any lateral flow antigen COVID-19 test can result in a false negative result. Reasons can include:

  • insufficient viral load present in the nasal areas when sample collection occurred
  • incorrect sample collection procedure (if the sample collection is not uncomfortable, it is highly likely that the sample has been incorrectly collected)
  • a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 that may circumvent the specific lateral flow device

It is therefore vital that the sample collection is carried out in line with our instructions contained within the kit and the most appropriate lateral flow devices are used.

If you believe you have received a false negative result, you can either perform the test again a couple of days later, or order a ‘back to lab’ PCR test if available.

What is an antigen?

An antigen is any substance that your immune system sees as a threat and as a result causes the immune system to produce antibodies against it. Antigens are usually proteins, peptides (amino acid chains) and polysaccharides that can stimulate an immune response. Each antigen has a distinct surface feature which allows it to be detected using a chromatographic immunoassay.

How reliable is the non-invasive antigen lateral flow test?

Our LFT kit allows you to accurately determine if the COVID-19 virus is present in the sample being tested. With a sensitivity and specificity value of over 96% and 97% respectively, the test is very robust and reliable. However, the reliability of LFTs can depend on the strain of the virus.

We perform regular testing at our in-house PCR laboratory to ensure that the lateral flow devices we provide are best matched to minimise false negative results.

What should I do with a positive COVID-19 result?

If you receive a positive result you should follow the latest government guidelines on self-isolation and quarantining.

If you do start to experience COVID-19 symptoms and/or begin to feel unwell, visit the NHS 111 webpages for the most up-to-date advice at www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care/nhs-111/ or call 111.

Order your lateral flow test kit today from AlphaBiolabs

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