Is there an antigen test for norovirus?
Mar 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
There is currently an antigen test available for norovirus, which mainly uses stool or vomitus samples for detection. If one or two pink lines appear, the result is considered positive. However, antigen tests have low sensitivity and may produce false-negative results. Therefore, diagnosis should be confirmed by stool testing. Once confirmed, timely, targeted treatment under a doctor's guidance is necessary.
Generally, norovirus can be tested through antigen testing. If feeling unwell, timely medical consultation is recommended. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Norovirus antigen testing is a commonly used diagnostic method that can provide a preliminary determination of norovirus infection. This test primarily uses a patient's stool or vomitus as the specimen. A small amount of the sample is diluted or mixed and then applied to the test area of the test kit. The result is determined by observing the test area. If one or two pink lines appear, the result is positive, indicating the presence of norovirus in the sample.
However, norovirus antigen testing may have relatively low sensitivity and could yield false-negative results. Therefore, further stool testing is required to confirm whether a norovirus infection is present. Once diagnosed, it is important to follow medical advice promptly and use medications such as montmorillonite powder, domperidone tablets, and live combined Bacillus subtilis and Bifidobacterium bifidum granules for treatment.
It should be noted that regardless of the testing method chosen, the procedure must follow the correct protocol. Additionally, specimens should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection to avoid contamination that could affect the diagnostic results.
