Antigen Detection

Antigen detection is a medical test that identifies specific parts of a virus or bacteria—called antigens—present in a person's sample, such as blood, saliva, or nasal swabs. These tests quickly determine if someone is infected by detecting these unique molecules, often providing results in minutes. They’re useful for diagnosing infections like COVID-19, influenza, and strep throat, especially in settings requiring rapid results. While generally less sensitive than molecular tests, antigen detection is valuable for early diagnosis and controlling outbreaks, helping healthcare providers make timely decisions about treatment and isolation.