Information for patients
Flowflex SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test (Self-testing)
The SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test is a lateral flow test for the qualitative detection of the nucleocapsid antigen from SARS-CoV-2 in anterior nasal swab specimens directly from individuals suspected of COVID-19 within the first seven days of the onset of symptoms. The test can also test specimens from individuals without symptoms.
Instructional video
Frequently asked questions
General questions
The SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self-Test Nasal is a lateral flow test. It can help to detect antigens of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from nasal samples in individuals who are suspected of having COVID-19.
The course of SARS CoV 2 infections can vary widely. Some people do not have any symptoms, others experience mild symptoms such as fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, or diarrhoea. But it can also cause more serious symptoms such as difficulty in breathing3. Usually, it takes 5 – 6 days for symptoms to develop after an exposure to SARS CoV 2, but sometimes it can take as long as 14 days4.
The test can help you to quickly and easily determine whether you might be infected with SARS-CoV-2 or not. You can test yourself from the comfort of your home and you do not need any specific training as it is easy to perform.
COVID-19 antigen tests perform best when the viral load is at its highest during an infection. Outside of this window, such as at the start of the infection, or late infection, the test may not detect the virus. Therefore, regular testing (such as every few days) increases the chance of detecting COVID-19. Please refer to your local state/territory health department for further guidance on this topic.
No, according to our instructions for use, the test must be performed by an adult or under close adult supervision on children under 18 years of age.
The kits come in packages containing 5 test cassettes.
For customer notifications relating to the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self-Test Nasal please contact contact us on +61 02 9641 2829 8am-5pm AEST, 5 days per week. The most recent version of the Instructions for Use and Quick Reference Guide for the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self-Test Nasal can also be found here.
Kit Components
Each test kit contains everything you need in order to perform a test. The components that you need to perform a test are:
- Test device
- Buffer tube
- Nozzle cap
- Sterile swab
- Tube holder
- Instructions for use
In this case, do not use the damaged test kit and use a new one. We would also recommend you report the damaged kit to wherever you got the test kit. Additionally, we would recommend you report the incident on contact us on +61 02 9641 2829 8am-5pm AEST, 5 days per week.
Test Specifications
Please prefer to the instructions for use.
The test has a shelf life of 24 months from the manufacturing date. The manufacturing and expiry date can be found on the back of the kit box or also on the back of the foil pouches inside the test kit.
No, the test should not be used anymore when the expiry date has passed. Please use a new in date test.
The test device can be used for a maximum of one hour after opening the sealed packaging. If the test device has been out of the sealed foil pouch for more than one hour, you should not use it anymore. Please use a new test.
Any COVID-19 variants in circulation as of November 29, 2021 are detected by this test without any impact on performance.
How to handle the tests
The test should be used at room temperature (15 – 30 °C).
Remove the swab from the packaging. Ensure that you only touch the handle of the swab and not the soft pad at the tip. Slightly tilt your head backwards and insert the swab with the soft pad at the front into your left nostril. Slowly slide the swab approx. 2.5 cm forward until you encounter resistance. You should not apply any pressure. Then rotate the swab 5 times against the lining of the nasal wall before removing it from the nostril. Repeat these steps in your right nostril using the same swab. Please refer to the Instructions for Use.
No, the specimen should be tested immediately after the sample has been taken.
No, the sample must be collected from both nostrils using the same swab.
You can move ahead and perform your test with this sample. If your test result is positive, it is very likely that you have COVID-19. However, in case you should get a negative or invalid result, we would recommend repeating the test according to the instructions for use.
The storage temperature range is 2 – 30 °C. You should store the test in a dry, cool place without direct sunlight exposure.
No, when you open the test cassette foil pouch you have to perform the test within 1 hour. You should discard the test if the test cassette has been outside of the foil pouch for more than one hour.
No. Swabs must be sterile for your own safety.
With blood in the sample, the test will not produce a reliable test result. If you have the impression that you injured yourself while taking the sample, please contact your doctor/primary care physician.
No, please do not shake the tube. Shaking can create bubbles which might make it more difficult to apply the correct amount of drops onto the test device.
According to the instructions for use, you should apply exactly 4 drops of the extracted sample to the test device. If more than 4 drops are added and the subsequent result is negative – we would recommend repeating the test to confirm the results. If you have applied less than 4 drops, we would recommend repeating the test.
It is important that you follow the correct procedure described in the instructions for use as incorrect handling might lead to an invalid or incorrect result. The swab needs to be inserted into the tube until the soft pad is in the liquid. You should squeeze the tube at the bottom and hold it tight. It is important that you stir the swab more than 10 times while holding the tube squeezed in order to transfer the biological material from the swab to the liquid. When you remove the swab from the tube you should squeeze the tube in order to extract the liquid from the soft pad of the swab.
Yes. You should repeat the test with a new test kit.
If the buffer solution accidentally comes into contact with the skin/eyes/mucous membrane, it should be rinsed thoroughly with running water. In case of skin irritation, please contact your doctor/primary care physician.
In the event of extensive soiling of clothing with the buffer solution (e.g. if the tube falls onto your clothes and is thus completely spilt), you should change your clothing.
If you only spilt a few drops, you can still use the tube to perform the test. Please wipe the surface thoroughly and wash your hands afterwards. If the subsequent result is Negative, we recommend repeating the test to confirm. In case you should have spilt a considerable amount of liquid, please discard the tube and use a new test.
No, the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self Test Nasal is intended to be used with nasal samples only.
No, the result needs to be read after 15 minutes, but no later than 30 minutes. If you read the result for example after 45 minutes, then your test might show an invalid or incorrect result. Please repeat the test by using a new test kit.
Dispose of the kit components in your household waste (not recycling) or according to your local guidelines. The remaining liquid in the tube should not be released into the drainage system or water bodies.
Result Interpretation
A positive test result means it is very likely that you have COVID 19, please go directly to obtain a laboratory PCR test. Please click here for your local state/territory health department.
If a negative result is shown in the result window of your test cassette, then it is unlikely that you have COVID-19. However, you should continue to observe and follow all hygiene and local safety measures. Please refer to your local state/territory health department for further guidance on this topic, including re-testing if you still suspect that you may have an infection.
If you suspect that you have an infection (i.e., if you have prolonged symptoms or if your symptoms are worsening), contact your doctor/primary care physician. You may have another infection, or your test result may be false. You may repeat the test after 1 – 2 days, as COVID 19 cannot be detected with complete accuracy during all stages of an infection.
The test is not working correctly and you should perform another test using a different test kit. You may have performed the test incorrectly. Carefully read the Instructions for Use and repeat the test. If your test result is still invalid, please contact your doctor or a COVID‑19 test centre.
In the event you are experiencing problems with the test, please contact us on +61 02 9641 2829 8am-5pm AEST, 5 days per week.
Additionally, you may wish to report poor performance or usability issues directly to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) via the Medical Device Incident Reporting scheme, email: iris@tga.gov.au or call 1800 809 361.
Possible reasons are insufficient sample volume, incorrect sample collection, and use of expired components or not following the instructions for use correctly.
As long as you can see the control line visible, there is no concern and the test should be considered valid.