Topic outline
- General
- Background
Background
Overview: SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDT) are being used globally to test suspect COVID-19 cases in contexts where PCR diagnostic may not be available, often at subnational level. This course aims to provide Ag-RDT users with an understanding of the theoretical and practical components of SARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDT testing. It does not intend to address the implementation of Ag-RDT testing across the diagnostic network. It targets personnel involved in SARS-CoV-2 testing, including healthcare workers, laboratory workers and public health officers.
Course duration: Approximately 2.5 hours.
Certificates: A Record of Achievement will be issued to participants who receive at least 80% on the post-test. Participants who receive a Record of Achievement can also download an Open Badge for this course. Click here to learn how.
Please note: These materials were launched on 12/07/2021.
- Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Learning objective: By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Describe the role of antigen testing in the COVID-19 response
- Explain the importance of ensuring quality testing and how to minimize errors
- Describe how to collect and analyse routine testing data to monitor test performance
- Describe how to safely collect samples, conduct SARS-CoV-2 Antigen RDT testing, interpret the results.
- Course contents
Course contents
Module 1: Introduction:
This introductory module gives an overview of the course contents and objectives.Module 2: Overview of SARS-CoV-2 testing:
By the end of this module, you should be able to: explain the role of diagnostics in the care of patients with COVID-19 and to describe the different diagnostics for COVID-19 and where they may be used.Module 3: SARS-CoV-2 testing strategies:
By the end of this module, you should be able to: explain the key recommendations for the use of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen RDTs; to describe scenarios in which SARS-CoV-2 Antigen RDTs should be used and to describe scenarios in which SARS-CoV-2 Antigen RDTs should not be used.Module 4: Quality testing using SARS-CoV-2 antigen RDTs:
By the end of this module, you should be able to: describe what is quality testing and why is it important; explain the types of inaccurate results and their consequences and to list common errors in the pre-testing, testing and post-testing phases and how to avoid them.Module 5: Safety for SARS-CoV-2 antigen RDT testing:
By the end of this module, you should be able to: describe what personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed and how to use it ; explain how to prepare and use disinfectants and to explain how to safely perform tests and safely dispose of waste.Module 6: Sample collection:
By the end of this module, you should be able to: describe the personal protective equipment (PPE) required for sample collection ; explain how to prepare your sample collection workstation/area ; describe what samples are recommended for SARS-CoV-2 testing ; describe the precautions to take when collecting samples for SARS-CoV-2 testing and describe how to package samples for transport.Module 7: Preparation for testing: Supplies:
By the end of this module, you should be able to: list and identify all the supplies required for SARS-CoV-2 Antigen RDT testing; list and identify all the components of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen RDT kits; explain the principles of stock management; explain when and how to order supplies; describe how to inspect the delivery of supplies before acceptance; explain the “first expired, first out” principles when managing SARS-CoV-2 Antigen RDT consumables; describe how to keep kits and supplies under proper storage conditions.Module 8: Performing the SARS-CoV-2 antigen RDT:
By the end of this module, you should be able to: describe the key steps to follow to perform SARS-CoV-2 Antigen RDTs and to explain how to interpret individual test results.Module 9: Using SARS-CoV-2 RDT data:
By the end of this module, you should be able to: list what documents and records should be available at the testing site; describe the contents of the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen RDT logbook and how to use it ; describe the purpose of quality indicators; list the quality indicators to be monitored for SARS-CoV-2 Antigen RDTs and explain how to analyze SARS-CoV-2 Antigen RDT data.Module 10: Assuring quality results:
By the end of this module, you should be able to: define quality assurance (QA) and its main components; describe the origin of quality control (QC) materials; define External Quality Assessment (EQA) and its main components and to describe the process of supervisory visits.Post-test
- Where to find these materials?
Where to find these materials?
You can take this e-learning on the WHO platform, OpenWHO, following this link
Note, if you don't have a WHO account you may need to create a new one. Alternatively you may take the course as guest without getting a certificate.