pim f schreef op 27 augustus 2020 11:27:
The test uses so-called lateral flow technology, similar to the method allowing at-home pregnancy tests. Essentially, these tests run a liquid sample along the surface of a pad with reactive molecules to show a result. While a pregnancy test is designed to detect a hormone, Abbott’s BinaxNOW looks for an antigen, a tiny portion of the coronavirus protein that’s collected from inside the nose.
“It’s detecting them at a critical point in the infection cycle, when they are at the highest risk of spreading disease,” Hackett said. “This will be a powerful tool in preventing the transmission of the virus and helping us return to normal life.”
While several other companies are selling antigen tests that also work quickly, they require some equipment to get the results. The technology also sometimes yields lower accuracy in exchange for working faster. The BinaxNOW is 97.1% sensitive, meaning it correctly diagnoses those with the infection that often, and 98.5% specific, meaning it’s correctly ruled out for those without it.