Antigen tests are designed for rapid diagnosis of active infection by detecting viral proteins on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19 in nasal swabs or similar clinical specimens. This test works similarly to a rapid flu test. The results take about 15 minutes.
NCFHP recommends that outreach workers bring these tests with them to the work camp so they can test any symptomatic farmworkers and get results back immediately. These tests must be performed by a healthcare provider with a CLIA number. If you have any questions, you can contact Dr. Gayle Thomas at [email protected].
NC DHHS Abbott BinaxNow Antigen Tests
You can order Abbott BinaxNow Antigen Tests through NC DHHS.
A few important things to note:
- You will need to provide your organization’s CLIA number to place an order. If you do not have a CLIA Certificate or Waiver already, the form CMS-116 can be used to obtain one. Note that whether you have an existing CLIA number, or are applying for a new one, you will need to specifically list the test you will be administering (Abbott BinaxNOW part # 195-000) on your certificate in addition to the sites where the test will be deployed.
- NC DHHS is required to provide to CMS the CLIA numbers that have been listed on antigen test request forms. Please add the test and sites to the CLIA Certificate, document training of staff administering the test, and upload results.
- Note that when using the eCATR system (info below) to upload results, your facility will have to be configured in the system before staff can upload test results. Here is a list of the required information.
- Self-swab is acceptable. Meaning, if your trained staff member observes an individual as they test themselves, in person, that is fine. This might be preferable in some situations to reduce your staff’s exposure to potentially COVID-positive individuals.
State antigen test guidance: General info about how to use these tests and interpret the results. These are meant to be used on symptomatic individuals. Antigen tests are generally less sensitive than PCR-based methods. A negative result should not be considered conclusive, as false negatives are not uncommon. A positive result is more than likely correct, but PCR confirmation is recommended.
Antigen test order form: Complete this form to request tests to be shipped to your organization. Test materials and shipping are free to you. A team will review requests to ensure they are in line with the State’s objectives for this resource. The unit is 1 box, which contains 40 tests. Processing time appears to be minimal, with tests received 2-3 days after a request is submitted. You need to provide your organization’s CLIA number when submitting a request, and there is a CLIA lookup tool available.
Test training materials: Videos are available (scroll down to near the bottom) in Spanish and English. There are more detailed videos here, which are meant to be viewed by staff before administering the test; these are available in English only. You can ignore the Navica app content. Here is a PowerPoint presentation containing additional reference materials.
Training documentation template (Word): Page 29 provides a good means of documenting that your staff completed the required training (i.e., watching the video) prior to administering the test. It’s not required that you use this exact form; it’s just an option. Please keep the documentation on file.
eCATR registration: You must register to be able to upload results to the eCATR tool, which is required when you administer these tests. Note that individual staff will need to link themselves to your organization by providing your CLIA certificate number, so you’ll need to provide them with that information. The user guide is automatically delivered to anyone who registers in the system. If you are interested in attending trainings on Wednesdays, please reach out to [email protected].