rapid antigen test


rapid antigen test

Any laboratory test used to quickly identify the presence of a specific antigen in a body fluid sample.

Patient care

Rapid antigen tests are used to confirm diagnostic impressions or to screen large numbers of patients quickly for the possibility of infection. In rapid HIV antigen tests, a positive test is not considered definitive for infection: it requires confirmation with blood tests (serology). In screening for streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), clinicians often consider the test as adequate for immediate treatment even though false positive and negative results can occur.

 Synonym: rapid antigen detection test