What are the Differences Between Nasal and Nasopharyngeal Swabs
COVID-19 Nasal Antigen Rapid Test
This COVID Rapid test – also known as a shallow nasal swab – uses a flocked cotton Anterior Nasal (AN) swab that is shorter and is only used on the nose. It is less intrusive and while it is very reliable it provides slightly less sensitivity and specificity compared to the NP.
COVID-19 Nasopharyngeal Antigen Rapid Test
This COVID Rapid test uses a Nasopharyngeal (NP) swab. This is the same used in PCR tests for specimen collection. When used with the rapid antigen test it provides higher sensitivity and specificity for more accuracy. It accesses both the nose and throat passage.
COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kits Comparison Table
| Brand | Interim Order (#) | Intended Use | Sensitivity/PPA | Specificity/NPA | Shelf Life (months) | Sampling Method | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BinaxNow | 341758 | Self-testing | 96.5 | 100 | 12 | NS | Abbott Diagnostics Scarborough, Inc. (United States) |
| Boson | 323096 | Lab-based | 93.75 | 98.4 | 18 | NPS | Xiamen Boson Biotech Co., Ltd. (China) |
| CovClear | 330172 | Self-testing | 95.5 | 100 | 12 | NS | Empowered Diagnostics, Llc (United States) |
| Ellume | 333567 | Self-testing | 95 | 97 | 12 | NS | Ellume Limited (Australia) |
| FaStep | 321478 | POCT, Lab-based | 94.3 | 99.1 | 18 | NS/NPS | Assure Tech. (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd. (China) |
| Flowflex | 327573 | POCT, lab-based | 93 | 100 | 12 | NS | Acon Biotech (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. (China) |
| Panbio | 330161 | Self-testing | 93.8 | 100 | 24 | NS/NPS | Abbott Rapid Diagnostics Jena Gmbh (Germany) |
| QuickVue (at home) | 331681 | Self-testing | 83.5 | 99.2 | 24 | NS/NPS | Quidel Corporation (United States) |
| Rapid Response | 321669 | POCT, Lab-based | 94.55 | 100 | 18 | NS/NPS | Btnx Inc. (Canada) |
| Roche | 333956 | Self-testing | 91.1 | 99.6 | 12 | NS | Sd Biosensor, Inc. (South Korea) |
| Standard Q | 328889 | POCT, Lab-based | 89.2 | 96 | 24 | NS/NPS | Sd Biosensor, Inc. (South Korea) |
| Status COVID-19/Flu A&B | 326827 | POCT | 93.8 | 100 | 12 | NPS | Princeton Biomeditech Corp (United States) |