The KnowNow SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test which uses saliva and is a lateral flow diagnostic device that can detect the SARS-CoV-2 specific Antigens that are present on the surface of the virus. The KnowNow test is an affordable, user friendly, and point of care device that can be mass produced as part of a multipronged strategy to address the global COVID-19 pandemic.
A saliva sample is collected from someone with suspected COVID-19 and mixed with a running buffer. The mixture is added to the sample pad of the KnowNow test, from where it migrates through the lateral flow strip. If COVID-19 Antigens are present, they bind to capture proteins on a test line and are made visible by secondary reagents within the device. The test result is visually assessed after 15-30 minutes and provides a binary positive (two lines) or negative (one line) result. Levels of COVID-19 Antigen differ dependent on disease progression. A visible test line (marked T) indicates the presence of COVID-19 Antigen in sufficient quantity in the collected sample to be detected. The appearance of the control line (marked C) confirms that the test has been performed correctly.
