What is a Healgen Test and How Does it Work?

When the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the world didn’t know that it could turn into a global pandemic. As the number of cases increased worldwide, the testing was conducted on a mass level. In the beginning, the results of these tests were given in 1 to 3 days, which made the situation worse.

However, healthcare professionals then realize how important fast and accessible testing could be. As a result, all nations introduced the rapid test kit, and the Healgen Tests were one of those. In this article, we will explain how the Healgen Test works and some other facts related to it.

What Exactly is a Healgen Test?

A Healgen Test is a rapid diagnostic test that detects certain respiratory infections via a nasal swab sample. The most common example is the Healgen® Rapid Check®. It uses a device known as a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay, the same as the other rapid tests, which detects the specific viral proteins, known as antigens/active infections, within minutes without the use of any major lab equipment.

It detects nucleocapsid antigens found in viruses such as COVID-19, Influenza A, and Influenza B. Because these proteins appear when the virus is present in the body, the test can help indicate a current infection instead of past exposure. The big benefit of this test is that you can do it at home yourself. Results usually appear in about 10–15 minutes. The Healgen test is developed and manufactured by Healgen Scientific LLC, a biotechnology company established in 2007 in Houston, Texas.

How the Healgen Test Works (Step-by-Step)

The Healgen Test has a quite simple testing process. Manufacturers design this test in a way that most people can conduct it easily by following an easy method. If you’re someone new to this test, then read the steps below:

Step 1: Preparation

First, wash your hands and check the test kit’s expiration date. Open the test kit and set up all the components, such as the test cassette, nasal swab, and extraction tube, at room temperature.

Step 2: Sample Collection

Insert the sterile swab about three-quarters of an inch into one nostril and rotate it several times along the inner wall. Repeat the same process in the other nostril to collect the sample.

Step 3: Mix the Sample

Place the swab into the extraction tube and stir it several times. This step releases any viral antigens into the liquid solution.

Step 4: Run the Test

Add a few drops of the prepared sample to the test cassette’s sample. The liquid then flows across the strip, where antibodies react with viral proteins if present.

Step 5: Reading the Results

After about 15 minutes, a control line confirms the test worked. If two red lines appear, one at the Control (C) line and another at the Test (T) line, even if the second line is faint, the result is positive. If only one red line appears at the Control (C) line, the result is negative. If no line appears at all or the Control (C) line does not show, the result is invalid.

Accuracy of the Healgen Test

Accuracy is a key factor in any rapid diagnostic test. Clinical trials have shown that the Healgen Test performs well, especially during the first wave of infection. Moreover, two key terms are used to measure the accuracy of a test: sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity refers to the test’s ability to correctly identify infected individuals. In clinical studies, the Healgen test showed about 85.4% sensitivity. Specificity, on the other hand, measures how well the test correctly identifies people who are not infected. The Healgen test has around 99.7% specificity, which means false positives are relatively rare.

These stats do not mean that the test is always 100% accurate. There are some factors that can influence the result, such as the amount of virus in the body, the timing of the test, and the quality of the nasal swab sample. At last, it is crucial to conduct the test according to the given instructions on the PDP page.

When Should Someone Take a Healgen Test?

The Healgen Test is mainly recommended when someone shows signs of a respiratory illness. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, tiredness, or shortness of breath. If these symptoms appear, testing within the first five days can help detect infections such as COVID-19, Influenza A, or Influenza B. Another reason to take this test is suspected exposure. If you have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for a viral infection, take this test to rule out yourself.

Individuals who have been exposed but do not have any symptoms yet, experts recommend waiting for 5 days before taking the test. The test is also used for screening purposes, such as before travel, during workplace health checks, or in community testing programs. Most kits allow those 14 years or older to self-test. In the case of children 2 years or above, adults can perform the test for them.

Benefits of Using the Healgen Test

In a short time, the Healgen test has become popular because it is quick, convenient, and reliable. Actually, when people have respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, or fatigue appear, they often need quick answers. In such situations, the Healgen Test has been very helpful. Below are some of the key advantages of the Healgen Test:

3-in-1 Detection: The test can detect COVID-19, Influenza A, and Influenza B at the same time. It is difficult because they have the same symptoms.

Fast Results: You will have your test results in about 15 minutes, which helps in quick screening and lets you make decisions faster about isolation or medical care.

High Accuracy: As we have mentioned above, the Healgen Test have shown good results in clinical trials, with over 90% sensitivity and around 99% specificity.

Easy Sample Collection: The test uses a shallow nasal swab, which is gentler and less uncomfortable than deeper swab methods.

FDA Approved and CLIA-Waived: This test of Healgen Scientific LLC received De Novo authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is CLIA-waived, which confirms its safety and performance standards.

Convenient At-Home Testing: The test can be used at home by individuals. You don’t have to visit a laboratory for this test.

To Conclude

From the first Healgen test used in June 2020 during COVID-19 to the present day, this rapid diagnostic test has helped millions of people identify infections beforehand. This test has removed a lot of pressure from the healthcare sector. If you want these kits in large amounts for your facility, contact RCS Healthcare. We are a leading global healthcare sourcing group that provides medical products, testing supplies, and procurement solutions with expert direct support. We have the Healgen™ SARS-CoV-2/Flu A+B Rapid Antigen Test, Healgen™ SARS-CoV-2/Flu A+B Rapid Antigen Test (Controls), and Healgen™ Rapid Check RSV w/ PBS. Order now from our website!