On 31st of October 2020, the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate confirmed that the antigen cassette tests are the same basis for determining the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2) virus, causing COVID-19 (Corona-Virus -Disease-2019) among people, as well as the antigen tests performed so far, performed by the RT-PCR method. This decision is in line with the WHO guidelines, which authorize the use of antigen tests, included in the WHO list as Emergency Use Listing Procedure (EUL)

https://www.who.int/diagnostics_laboratory/eual/listing/en/.

Currently, the WHO list includes two antigen tests that can be the basis for the diagnosis of infection. The material for their performance is a nasopharyngeal swab, similar to RT-PCR tests. The test detects viral proteins that stimulate the body to produce antibodies against the virus. It does not require highly specialized equipment. Their advantage is the ease and speed of execution and, of course, the price - more than 10 times lower than RT-PCR tests. They can be performed "on the spot" at any time during a clinical trial, not only in patients but also in medical personnel. This gives the possibility of greater prevention and quick response, and thus conducting clinical trials in the Center at a higher level of security.

At the BioResearch Group clinical site, taking care of the safety of our patients and the research team, we also use antigen cassette tests, in addition to RT-PCR tests, recommended by WHO.