The MERS-CoV Antigen Rapid Test Cassette (Secretions) is a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay for the qualitative detection of Camel Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) antigen in camel’s nasal/ocular secretions.
For veterinary use only.
PRINCIPLE
The MERS-CoV Antigen Rapid Test Cassette is a qualitative lateral flow immunochromatographic assay for the qualitative detection of antigens of Camel MERS-CoV. The test cassette has a testing window with a T (test) region and a C (control) region. During testing, sample is applied into the sample well on the cassette. MERS-CoV antigens, if present in specimen, react with the pre-coated anti-MERS-CoV antibodies in the test strip. The mixture then migrates upward on the membrane chromatographically by capillary action and reacts with anti-MERS-CoV antibodies on the membrane in the test line region. If the specimen contains Camel MERS-CoV, a colored line will appear in the test line region indicating a positive result. If the specimen does not contain MERS-CoV antigens, a colored line will not appear in the test line region indicating a negative result. To serve as a procedural control, a colored line will always appear in the control line region indicating that proper volume of specimen has been added and membrane wicking has occurred.
STORAGE AND STABILITY
Store as packaged in the sealed pouch either at room temperature or refrigerated (2-30 °C). The test cassette is stable through the expiration
date printed on the sealed pouch. The test cassette must remain in the sealed pouch until use. DO NOT FREEZE. Do not use beyond the expiration date.
PRECAUTIONS
Do not use after expiration date.
Handle all specimens as if they contain infectious agents.
Observe established precautions against microbiological hazards throughout testing and follow the standard procedures for proper disposal of specimens.
Wear disposable gloves and eye protection when specimens are being tested.
Humidity and temperature can adversely affect results.
Do not remove test cassette from its pouch until immediately before use.
Do not reuse the test kit.
Do not mix components from different lot and different products.
MATERIALS
Materials Provided
• Test cassettes
• Droppers
• Plastic tubes with buffer
• Swabs
• Package insert
Materials Required but Not Provided
• Timer
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Allow the test cassette, specimen, buffer and/or controls to equilibrate to room temperature (15-30 °C) prior to testing.
1.
Remove the test cassette from the foil pouch and use it as soon as possible. Best results will be obtained if the assay is performed within one hour.
2.
Collect camel’s ocular or nasal secretions with the swab provided. Make the swab wet sufficiently.
Note: Collect ocular secretion from upper and lower eyelids, please avoid secretions at the corner of the eye.
3.
Insert the wet swab into the provided assay tube with buffer. Agitate it to assure good sample extraction.
4.
Place the test cassette on a clean and level surface. Hold the dropper vertically and transfer 3 drops of extracted sample (approximately 120 μL) to the specimen well (S) of the test cassette, then start the timer. See illustration below.
5.
Read the result at 15 minutes. Do not interpret results after 25 minutes.
