Rapid Antibody Test Kits
FDA EUA for COVID-19 IgG/IgM test with fingerprick whole blood, CLIA waived
Megna Rapid COVID-19 Antibody IgG & IgM Test
Megna Health’s Rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG Antibody Combo Test Kit is a lateral flow immunoassay intended for qualitative detection and differentiation of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to COVID-19 simultaneously in serum, plasma (ACD) and fingerstick whole blood.
It’s authorized for use in CLIA waived Point of Care facilities operating under a CLIA Certificate of Waiver, Certificate of Compliance, or Certificate of Accreditation.
Key Performance of Megna Health Rapid COVID-19 Antibody Test
Studied in 411 patients both positive and negative, data from the 541 patients including 130 patients with fingerstick samples are summarized in the Instruction for Use below
Also validated independently by NIH / NCI (National Caner Institute) in 110 samples
NIH/National Cancer Institute Test Results:
Sensitivity: Combined IgM & IgG 100%
Sensitivity: IgG 100%
Simple and Easy to Perform
Just one drop of fingerstick sample and results in 15 minutes
Step 1
Add 1 drop of fingerstick sample
Step 2
Add 2 drops of sample buffer
Step 3
Read results in 15 mins
Manufactured in Pennsylvania
Easy to Read & Interpret Results
| IgM + / IgG – | Recent infection with COVID-19 |
| Both IgM + / IgG + | Recent infection with COVID-19 |
| IgM – / IgG + | Previous infection with COVID-19 |
| Both IgM – / IgG – | No infection or not enough detectable antibodies in early infection |
Antibody Formation and Symptoms Onset
Results are for the detection of COVID-19 antibodies IgM and IgG. The IgM antibody to COVID-19 is generally detectable in blood couple of days after initial infection, and IgG antibody is detectable typically after 7 days and stay in immune system longer. Although the duration of time antibodies are present post-infection is not well characterized. Individuals may have detectable virus present for several weeks following seroconversion.
Click here for Megan Health Rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG Antibody Test – Instruction For Use
Click here for Megan Health Rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG Antibody Test – Quick Reference Instruction For Use of Fingerstick
Click here for Megan Health Rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG Antibody Test – Information for Health Professionals
Click here for Megan Health Rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG Antibody Test – Information for Patients
Megna Rapid Antibody Test INTENDED USE
The Rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG Antibody Combo Test Kit is a lateral flow immunoassay intended for qualitative detection and differentiation of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in human serum, acid citrate dextrose (ACD) plasma and fingerstick whole blood. The Rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG Combo Test Kit is intended for use as an aid in identifying individuals with an adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2, indicating recent or prior infection. At this time, it is unknown for how long antibodies persist following infection and if the presence of antibodies confers protective immunity. The Rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG Combo Test Kit should not be used to diagnose acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Testing of fingerstick whole blood specimens is authorized for use at the Point of Care (POC), i.e., in patient care settings operating under a CLIA Certificate of Waiver, Certificate of Compliance, or Certificate of Accreditation.
Results are for the detection of SARS CoV-2 antibodies. IgM and IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are generally detectable in blood several days after initial infection, although the duration of time antibodies are present post-infection is not well characterized. Individuals may have detectable virus present for several weeks following seroconversion.
Laboratories within the United States and its territories are required to report all positive results to the appropriate public health authorities.
The sensitivity of the Rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG Combo Test Kit after early infection is unknown. Negative results do not preclude acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. If acute infection is suspected, direct testing for SARS-CoV-2 is necessary.
False positive results for Rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG Combo Test Kit may occur due to cross-reactivity from pre-existing antibodies or other possible causes. Due to the risk of false positive results, confirmation of positive results should be considered using second, different IgG or IgM assay.
The Rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG Combo Test Kit is only for use under the Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization.
Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Test
The Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Test is a lateral flow immunoassay intended for rapid qualitative detection of nucleocapsid antigens from COVID-19 in human nasal swab, NP swab and sputum from individuals who are suspected of COVID-19 within the first seven days of the onset of symptoms.
Results will be visually shown within 10 minutes without utilizing additional equipment.
A mobile App is available to display the result.
Tested in patients within 5 days Symptoms Onset. Sensitivity 97% Specificity 100%
The test is manufactured by Megna Health
The test has been CE Certified for European market
Not available for US market at this time
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Frequent Asked Questions
Q: Why should I try the rapid antibody test?
A: Rapid antibody assay can provide you information about one’s recent and previous infection. Combo antibody test kits like Megna Health’s kit test both IgM and IgG simultaneously. IgM forms 2 -3 days after symptoms onset and lasts about 1 week, while IgG forms about a week after symptoms onset and lasts longer. IgG is indication of immunity to some extent. Antibody tests are not considered as diagnostic purpose for COVID-19, it provides additional information which other type of tests don’t.
Q: Is the rapid antibody test safe?
A: Yes. It operates with fingerstick whole blood samples, serum and plasma (ACD) samples. Megna Health is currently seeking authorization for prescription home use with with fingerstick samples.
Q. What’s difference between PCR and antibody test?
A: PCR test presence of the virus, which mainly happens in beginning of infection, while antibody test for presence of IgM (2 -3 days after infection ) and IgG (one week after infection). But the main advantage of rapid antibody tests are easy sampling and quick results (less than 15 minutes), and no need for expensive PCR equipment.
Q: Is the Megna Health’s Rapid Antibody Test authorized by FDA?
A: Yes, it was authorized by FDA EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) in July 2020 and extended to CLIA waived Point of Care facilities with fingerstick samples on April 22, 2021. Attached is the FDA approval cover letter
Megna Health Rapid COVID-19 Antibody Combo Test Kit FDA EUA Approval
Q: Is the product manufactured in US?
A: Yes. Our test kits are manufactured in Pennsylvania.
Q: What’s the Megna Health’s Rapid Antibody Test’s accuracy?
A: Based on independent study of 110 subjects by NIH / NCI (National Cancer Research), our test kits demonstrated 100% sensitivity for IgG, and for combined IgG/IgM, specificity has been shown to be 95%.
Q: How long does the rapid test take to see the results?
A: 15 minutes
Q: How much sample does the assay take?
A: Just one drop from fingerstick sampling.
Q: What’s the difference between IgM, IgG alone vs. the combo test?
A: There are products just for IgG or IgM, but combo test kits test both IgG and IgM from the same test. As discussed earlier, IgM antibodies indicate current infection, it would be compliment to PCR and antigen assays. However, since IgM antibodies last only limited time before IgG formation, it’s technically more challenging to test IgM with acceptable sensitivity comparing to just detecting just IgG antibodies. Therefore, combo test provides more timely information about recent or past infections.
Q: Who can perform the test?
A: Megna Health Rapid COVID-19 Test can be performed with fingerstick samples at any CLIA waived Point of Care facilities such as clinics, dentist’s offices and pharmacies, etc and any CLIA certified laboratories,
Q: What’s next product goal for Megna Health’s development?
A: Megna Health has submitted application for extension to prescription home use for its Rapid COVID-19 Test Kit.
Q: What info can the antibody test help with vaccine process?
A: Be aware that SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests help health care providers identify whether someone has antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, indicating a prior infection with the virus. However, more research is needed to understand the meaning of a positive or negative antibody test, beyond the presence or absence of antibodies, including in people who received a COVID-19 vaccination, in people who have been exposed and have SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and in people who are not fully vaccinated.
If you have not been vaccinated: Be aware that a positive result from an antibody test does not mean you have a specific amount of immunity or protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection. If you have a positive test result on a SARS-CoV-2 antibody test, it means that it is possible you were previously infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Talk with your health care provider about the meaning of your SARS-CoV-2 antibody test results.
If you received a COVID-19 vaccination: Continue to follow the CDC’s recommendations for fully vaccinated people. Be aware that if you have a positive test result on a SARS-CoV-2 antibody test, it is possible you were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. A COVID-19 vaccination may also cause a positive antibody test result for some but not all antibody tests. You should not interpret the results of your SARS-CoV-2 antibody test as an indication of a specific level of immunity or protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Talk to your health care provider or your state and local health departments if you have questions about whether an antibody test is right for you.
Q: Is the antibody test covered by my insurance?
A: Yes. HCPT codes are well established for reimbursement with prescription from a doctor.
Rapid Antibody Test PRINCIPLE
Rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG Combo Test Kit utilizes the principle of immuno-chromatography. Mouse anti- human IgM and human IgG antibodies are immobilized on the nitrocellulose membrane respectively, as two individual test lines (IgM line and IgG line) in the test window of the test device. The IgM line in the test window is closer to the sample well followed by IgG line. As the test sample flows through the membrane within the test device, the colored COVID-19 virus recombinant antigen-colloidal gold conjugate forms complexes with specific antibodies (IgM and/or IgG) to COVID-19 virus, if present in the sample. This complex moves further on the membrane to the test region where it is captured by the anti-human IgM and/or human IgG antibodies coated on the membrane leading to formation of a colored band, which indicates positive test results. Absence of this colored band in the test window indicates a negative test result. A built-in control line will always appear in the test window when the test is performed properly, regardless of the presence or absence of anti-2019 novel coronavirus antibodies in the specimen.
Rapid Antibody Test WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
For use under an Emergency Use Authorization Only. For in vitro diagnostic use only.
This test has been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by CLIA waived Point of Care facilities and laboratories certified under CLIA, that meet requirements to perform moderate or high complexity tests.
This test has been authorized only for the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens.
This test is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostic tests for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.
Do not use the product beyond the expiration date. Do not use the product if the pouch is damaged or the seal is broken. Handle all specimens as potentially infectious.
Follow standard Lab procedure and biosafety guidelines for handling and disposal of potentially infectious material. When the assay procedure is completed, dispose specimens after autoclaving at 121º C for at least 20 min or treating with 0.5% Sodium Hypochlorite for 1-2 hours. Tests are for single use only.
Rapid Antibody Test CONDITIONS
The Rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG Antibody Combo Test Kit Letter of Authorization, along with the authorized Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers, the authorized Fact Sheet for Recipients, and authorized labeling are available on the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices/vitro-diagnostics-euas
Authorized laboratories using the Megna Health Rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG Antibody Combo Test Kit in the conditions above), must adhere to the Conditions of Authorization indicated in the Letter of Authorization as listed above.
Authorized laboratories using Megna Health Rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG Antibody Test will have a process in place for reporting test results to healthcare providers and relevant public health authorities, as appropriate.
General Information about Antibody Tests for COVID-19
Serology testing for SARS-CoV-2 is at increased demand in order to better quantify the number of cases of COVID-19, including those that may be asymptomatic or have recovered. Serology tests are blood-based tests that can be used to identify whether people have been exposed to a particular pathogen by looking at their immune response. In contrast, the RT-PCR tests currently being used globally to diagnose cases of COVID-19 can only indicate the presence of viral material during infection and will not indicate if a person was infected and subsequently recovered. These tests can give greater detail into the prevalence of a disease in a population by identifying individuals who have developed antibodies to the virus.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Health recently released a report detailing considerations for a national strategy on serology testing, including actions for leaders and areas for continued research. You can find this report here.