Rapid Testing Guide

Rapid test are being used as an additional layer of projection in our Safe & Healthy Rams strategies to help quickly identify positive COVID-19 cases and isolate them immediately so we can keep each other safe and healthy. 

Rapid Test Usage

The QuickVue SARS Antigen test kits include 4 components:  

• Sterile Foam Tipped Applicator (used to perform the nasal swab) 
• Test strip 
• Reagent Solution
• Reagent Tube 

In your testing kits we included a two-sided document that includes the steps to perform the antigen test and the result interpretation. The process entails 4 simple steps, please read the instructions carefully and follow them as directed. Please do not wait longer than the recommended time (10-15 minutes) to read the results on the test strips because this may lead to false positives, false negatives, or invalid results. 

Performing the Test – Nasal Swab Guidance

Results

• The appearance of ONLY a blue line indicates SARS antigen was NOT detected or in other words a negative test result.  
• The appearance of any shade of a pink-to-red line AND the appearance of the blue line together, indicates the presence of SARS antigen or in other words a positive test result.  
• If after the 10 minutes the blue line does not appear, even if any shade of pink-to-red appears, the result is invalid. The test will need to be retaken with a new kit. 

Antigen Test FAQ 

What are antigen tests? 

Antigen tests, also known as rapid tests, are a type of diagnostic test that detect molecules on the surface of a virus. They are used to detect active infection, and one of their biggest advantages is that they can produce results in a matter of minutes which make them a valuable diagnostic tool specially during a pandemic. 

 How do antigen tests differ from other tests?  

Since Antigen tests detect molecules on the surface of the virus, they are most accurate when the individual has a high viral load, which is why they are used mostly in symptomatic people. They deliver results in a matter of minutes and can be performed almost anywhere.  

PCR tests are laboratory-based tests, which detect virus genetic material even from the smallest samples. They are highly sensitive and considered the gold standard for COVID-19 testing since false negatives are not common. PCR tests will always be used for campus routine testing.  

How are antigen tests being used? 

We will provide a rapid test if you are experiencing at least one COVID-19 related symptom, including fever/chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle/body aches, headache, new loss of taste and or smell, sore throat, congestion/runny nose, nausea/vomit, and diarrhea.  

For more information on COVID-19 related symptoms please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html 

What type of antigen tests are being provided by HT? 

QuickVue SARS antigen tests are being provided. 

Where can I pick up rapid tests? 

You can pick up the rapid tests on campus with the hall coordinators and RAs.

How do I use the rapid test kit? 

The test is a self-administered nasal swab. Clear instructions including a guide on how to read the test result are provided in the kit along with everything you need to do the test, and you can ask the Safe and healthy rams coordinator for guidance if you have any questions or concerns. 

How long will it take to obtain my results? 

You will have your results in 10 minutes. 

What happens if I obtain a positive result? 

Please isolate immediately and upload a picture of your result to the HT Ram check app, and send the picture to the Safe and Healthy Rams Coordinator at safehealthyrams@htu.edu.  

If I have any questions about the rapid tests, who can I contact? 

You can find extra resources on the Safe & Healthy Rams page of the HT website. You can also access this information from the HT Ram Check App in the Rapid Test Guidance Tab. 

Additionally, you can contact the Safe and Healthy Rams Office at 512.505.6479 or at safehealthyrams@htu.edu