Professional Tests

Profitests for Professional Rapid Testing

Profitests are rapid tests intended for use by healthcare professionals, such as in doctors’ offices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or on-site medical clinics. They fall under the category of rapid tests and diagnostics and differ from at-home self-tests primarily in their intended professional use and corresponding regulatory approval.

Depending on the model, ProTests cover different pathogens or parameters—ranging from individual rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 to combination tests that detect multiple pathogens simultaneously. This allows users to select the appropriate test based on their specific application.

Features and Benefits of Professional Tests

Professional tests are administered and evaluated by healthcare professionals, which is intended to ensure standardized administration and interpretation of the results. Depending on the product, the design, sample collection procedure, and number of pathogens detected vary significantly.

Typical characteristics of professional tests:

• Intended for use by trained healthcare professionals
• Depending on the model, may have special approval from the BfArM for professional use
• Sampling is typically performed via nasal, nasopharyngeal, or throat swab, depending on the test procedure
• Depending on the model, either a single-pathogen test or a combination test for multiple pathogens simultaneously
• According to the manufacturer’s specifications, results are usually available within about 15 to 20 minutes
• Available individually or in package sizes for regular practice use

Which of these characteristics apply in each individual case depends heavily on the specific model. For day-to-day practice operations, a simple rapid antigen test for a single pathogen is often sufficient, whereas a combination test may be more appropriate when symptoms are unclear.

Which ProTests are suitable for which applications?

The Hotgen Antigen Rapid Test is suitable for the standard screening of a possible SARS-CoV-2 infection. According to the product information, it has special approval from the BfArM for professional use and is available in a pack of 40 tests, making it suitable for day-to-day practice needs.

The HighTop Professional Combo Test is suitable for the simultaneous screening of several common respiratory illnesses. According to the product information, it detects influenza A/B, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 with a single sample and is available in a box of 20, making it practical for the cold and flu season.

The Combo 12-in-1 test is suitable for an even broader screening of potential pathogens. According to the product information, in addition to typical respiratory viruses, it also covers bacterial pathogens such as pneumococci, Legionella, and whooping cough, making it ideal for facilities that require expanded pathogen diagnostics.

What should you look for when purchasing professional tests?

A key selection criterion is the range of pathogens to be tested for. If the focus is on a single, common infection, a simple single-pathogen test is usually sufficient, whereas in cases of unclear symptoms or during cold and flu season, a combination test for multiple pathogens can facilitate diagnosis.

Regulatory approval also plays a role: Professional tests are intended for use by healthcare professionals and thus differ from over-the-counter tests for home use; therefore, it’s important to check the intended user group for each product before purchasing.

When it comes to package sizes, it’s worth considering expected usage: Larger package sizes are usually more cost-effective for ongoing practice operations, while smaller packages are sufficient for occasional needs.

Single test, combination test, or expanded combination test—which professional test is right for you?

Single-pathogen tests, such as those for SARS-CoV-2, are designed for the targeted, rapid diagnosis of a single suspected condition and are particularly suitable when the likely pathogen can already be narrowed down.

Combination tests, such as the quadruple test for influenza A/B, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2, take a broader approach: They are designed to detect several common respiratory illnesses simultaneously with a single sample collection and are therefore particularly suitable during periods of high cold and flu activity.

Expanded combination tests, which additionally cover bacterial pathogens such as pneumococci or Legionella, go one step further and are primarily intended for facilities with more comprehensive diagnostic needs. Which variant is appropriate therefore depends on the specific spectrum of suspected conditions and the intended use—no single test is inherently better suited than another.

Use and Guidelines for Professional Tests

Profi tests are performed by trained medical professionals. Depending on the test procedure, samples are collected via nasal, nasopharyngeal, or throat swabs, as specified by the manufacturer, before the sample is applied to the test cassette.

The time required to read the result and the storage conditions to be observed are determined by the manufacturer’s instructions and should be verified before use.

The evaluation, documentation, and handling of positive results are generally governed by the respective manufacturer’s instructions as well as the internal guidelines of the respective facility.

Recommended Add-Ons for Professional Tests

• Over-the-counter tests
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Accessories and practice supplies

Over-the-counter tests offer an alternative for home use when administration by trained personnel is not required. Personal protective equipment (PPE) complements the testing process by providing gloves and other protective items for the safe handling of samples, while practice supplies provide additional materials for daily practice operations. Together with other rapid tests and diagnostic equipment, this allows you to assemble a suitable basic diagnostic kit.