Rapid antigen tests can detect new variants

The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic changes repeatedly with the different number of infected persons and with new variants. This means that it is necessary to change test strategy depending on the test capacity and the prevalence of the infection. Hence, it is expected that the use of rapid antigen tests will increase whenever there is a high need or demand for tests, and the PCR capacity is not sufficient.

Therefore, it is important to make sure that the antigen-tests in use – both for professional use and for self-tests – can detect the SARS-CoV-2 variants that at any given time exist in Denmark. Lately, there has been uncertainty about whether the antigen-tests in use can detect the Omicron-variant.

Statens Serum Institut has tested a number of rapid antigen tests to examine, whether they can detect variants of SARS-CoV-2.

The conclusion and the test results are described in this report from the 6th of January 2022. The report is both in Danish and English.

NB: SSI is not the approving authority for antigen test, nor do SSI validate the additional quality of the products.

Test of antigen tests

SSI invites manufacturers and suppliers of antigen-tests to send test kits (100 pcs.), which are in use in Denmark, for SSI to test.

Test-kits can by appointment be sent to:
Claus Nielsen
Building 85, room 322
Statens Serum Institut
Artillerivej 5
2300 Copenhagen S
Mail: cn@ssi.dk
Phone: +45 3268 3280