Bionote developed a nasal swab test version of the COVID-19 antigen rapid diagnostic kit, in addition to the existing nasopharyngeal swab test. This new version has also obtained Certification of EU product notification as well. 

Antigen rapid diagnostic kit is a widely used screening and diagnosing method for infectious diseases such as influenza in hospitals. The test procedure for a rapid kit is simple, fast, and efficient, requiring only 15 to 30 minutes without the need for any additional equipment.  With such efficiency, antigen tests enable more massive testing with a faster diagnosis compared to a molecular diagnostic method such as a PCR test.

The NowCheck COVID-19 Ag Test, which is manufactured and sold by Bionote, is a diagnostic kit that quickly determines SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19). Until now, it previously came only with nasopharyngeal swab specimens, but a new nasal swab type has recently been added.

A clinical evaluation conducted in Brazil between July and August confirmed an excellent performance of 89.2% (91/102) sensitivity and 97.3% (290/298) specificity. In particular, the sensitivity was found to be up to 92.2% in patients when the days from symptom onset were ≤ 7 days.

While most conventional COVID-19 antigen tests are performed by inserting a swab deep into a nostril to collect the specimen from the nasopharynx, it may cause discomfort among the patients during the collection process.

That is why patients will find Bionote's newly developed nasal swab version relatively easier to use compared to the previous nasopharyngeal swab test. The nasal cavity is located outward compared to the nasopharynx, making it easier to collect the specimens with less discomfort and thus requiring less proficiency from inspectors.

Since there is no effective treatment for COVID-19, a more active response to the COVID-19 pandemic should be made possible with rapid diagnostic kits. CE certified NowCheck COVID-19 test offers not only accurate results, but also more swab options for the consumers to choose from.

For those who are interested in NowCheck COVID-19 Tests, please contact your local distributor or mail to [bionote@bionote.co.kr].