Rapid diagnostic tests are non-automated procedures that produce qualitative or semi-quantitative results in a relatively short amount of time (usually 20 minutes or less). Most rapid diagnostic tests are easy to perform and are used for preliminary or screening testing in physician office labs or in emergency care settings.

Rapid diagnostic tests are considered point-of-care tests and are typically low cost, require only room temperature storage, and produce results that can help clinicans more quickly diagnose and treat patients. Diagnosis at the point of care confirms the diagnosis, eliminates additional visits, and helps ensure prompt and effective patient treatment.

Rapid tests often require little to no laboratory equipment and minimal training to perform. Rapid diagnostic tests are important in low-resource settings, where:

• Access to electricity and refrigeration is limited
• Technology, equipment, and training are lacking
• Patients cannot easily re-visit for follow-up
• Body fluid specimens are collected: nasal swabs, urine, saliva, tears, and capillary blood

Rapid diagnostic tests may use different test platforms:

• Immunoassay technology: Generally measures the interaction of the specimen with a fixed antigen or antibody reagent linked to a visible detector
• Lateral flow tests: Simplest type of rapid diagnostic tests; all reactants and detectors are included in a test strip
• Flow-through tests: Similar to lateral flow tests, but require an added wash and buffer step
• Agglutination tests: Visible clumps formed by the binding of carrier particles and target analytes are observed (with or without magnification)
• Dipstick format: The dipstick is placed into the sample, then washed and incubated
• Microfluidics (“labs on a chip”): Use electrochemical sensors and include all detectors and reactants in a single portable cassette

Count on ClinicDx, supported by experts from the Fisher Healthcare team, as your trusted resource to help you quickly find the right high-quality rapid diagnostic tests for your needs.