COVID-19

Rapid Antigen Testing Guide
Collecting your sample
1

Remove a nasal swab fromthe pouch.

2

3

Insert the swab into one ofyour nostrils up to 2-3cm fromthe edge of the nostril.

Slowly roll the swab 5 times overthe surface of the nostril. Using thesame swab, repeat this collection
process in the other nostril.

4

Take approximately 15 secs
to collect the specimen.
Slowly remove the swab fromthe nostril while rotating it.

Testing your sample
1

Peel off aluminium foil seal fromthe top of the extraction vial whichcontains the extraction buffer.

52

3360º

Place the swab into theextraction vial. Rotate the swab
vigorously at least 5 times.

Remove the swab by rotating
the swab against the vial, while
squeezing the sides to release
the liquid from the swab.

67

4

Close the vial with the provided
cap and push firmly onto the vial.

Your result

Positive: Two distinct
colour lines appear.
One red next to the C andone blue next to the T.
Mix thoroughly by flicking thebottom of the tube.

Turn vial upside down andhold sample over sample well.
Squeeze vial gently. Allow 3 drops
to fall into the sample well.

After 10 minutes read andinterpret the test result. The test
result should not be read andinterpreted after 15 minutes.

TO FIND OUT MORE
please visit www.health.govt.nz

Negative:
One red coloured line
only next to the C.

Invalid: If a red coloured
line does not appear
at all next to the C, theresult is not viable.

Key information
What happens if my rapid antigen test result is invalid?
• If your kit allows it, take one more test.
• If unable to or your second test is invalid, contact Healthline and followtheir advice.

What happens if my rapid antigen test result is positive?
If the result of your rapid antigen test is positive, you must:• Self-isolate at your place of accommodation• Go for a COVID-19 swab test to confirm the result as soon as possible –visit www.healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19 to find the closest testing provider• Follow all COVID-19 public health measures• Contact Healthline for any COVID-19 health advice on 0800 358 5453

TO FIND OUT MORE
please visit www.health.govt.nz

Question and answers for small businesses on rapid antigen
testing
Requirements following a positive rapid antigen test result
If a rapid antigen test result is positive:You must self-isolate away from your workplace
Book a standard COVID-19 PCR test to confirm the result. Visit healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19
Follow all public health measures

What happens if a PCR test confirms a positive rapid antigen test result?
Self-isolate and follow the advice of Public Health. They will also provide guidance on therequirements for testing and isolation for other workers along with family members and contacts ofthe person who has returned the positive PCR test for COVID-19.

Requirements following an invalid rapid antigen test result
If a rapid antigen test is invalid, you can take a second test as per manufacturer’s instructions. The
most likely reason for an invalid result is the sample was too small or there were not enough dropson the testing strip.

If the second rapid antigen test is invalid:You must self-isolate away from your workplace
Book a standard COVID-19 PCR test to confirm the result. Visit healthpoint.co.nz/covid-19
Follow all public health measures

If invalid results are happening often, further training may be required on how to collect an accurate
sample for the rapid antigen testing.
What happens if a PCR test is positive after an invalid rapid antigen test result?
Self-isolate and follow the advice of Public Health. They will also provide guidance on therequirements for testing and isolation for other workers along with family members and contacts ofthe person who has returned the positive PCR test for COVID-19.

Requirements following a negative rapid antigen test result
A negative rapid antigen test result does not guarantee you are COVID-19 free. Continue to follow all
public health measures and get tested if you are unwell or develop COVID-19 symptoms.

Disposal requirements
Used rapid antigen test kits are considered medical waste, so need to be disposed of safely.
Test and swab disposal will depend on the volume of testing being conducted and whether the kits
used for the rapid antigen test returned a positive or negative result.

For PPE, swabs, and kits from negative rapid antigen tests:
a biohazard bin is recommended for large volumes at a single site where rapid antigen
testing is being undertaken frequently and on a continuing basis; ora sealed zip lock bag placed in a refuse bin is suitable for small companies or one-off
testing.

If the rapid antigen test was positive, the swab and kit should be put in a zip lock bag and disposedof in rubbish.

PPE (Personal protection equipment) requirements
PPE requirements will vary depending on the rapid antigen test kit being used. Please follow therecommendations provided by the supplier of the kit.
As a minimum, a mask and gloves should be worn when administering a rapid antigen test. This also
applies to a support person overseeing testing.

Other general questions
Can we use rapid antigen testing kits that use saliva as the sample for the test?
Currently no rapid antigen tests that use a saliva as a sample for the test have been approved forsupply and use in New Zealand.
There are three rapid antigen tests authorised for import and supply under the COVID-19 Public HealthResponse 2020 (Point of Care) Order and approved by the Ministry of Health for use in New Zealandin specific settings.
These tests all use a front of the nose nasal swab to collect the sample for the rapid antigen test.
Do we need to record the batch number/lot number against each test conducted?
The batch/lot number does not need to be recorded against each test. However, record keeping forwhen a batch/lot is opened and used should be in place.
Is there a "Ministry of Health’s Collection Management System (CMS)" where we need to register
participating employees?
The Ministry of Health does not have a register for participating employees.