Wisconsin Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) Program

Thank you for considering sending your COVID-19+ rapid antigen test (RAT) to UW-Madison researchers led by Dr. David O'Connor. Our laboratory has received more than 100,000 samples for sequencing since the start of the pandemic. With the closure of PCR testing sites, we now rely on volunteers like you to provide samples that we can use to understand how variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 emerge and spread.

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We need some information from you about your test:

qr_code_2 The Test ID If you scanned a QR code to reach this page, it should be pre-filled. If not, please enter the barcode in the format ('ATXXXXXXXX') in the text box or scan it using the barcode scanner.

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location_on Your census tract, census block, county, and state You can either enter your address where you are scanning the test or click the Use Geolocation button to automatically find it.

Street Address

City

State

report_problem Whether to report your case to public health If you choose to, your case will be reported to local public health authorities.

Submit my case to local public health authorities

After completing this form, this data is securely stored in a database at UW-Madison. To learn more, go to the Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to return in the envelope? Just the used antigen test cassette indicating a positive COVID test. There are several antigen test formats. If your antigen test has a separable nasal swab or buffer tube, please do not include these in the return envelope.
How should I store the envelope before shipping? Room temperature is fine.
How can you determine a viral variant from an antigen test? When the sample moves across the test strip, viral nucleic acids stick to the test strip. We wash these off and use them for viral sequencing.
Why are you starting this after the pandemic is over? Since early 2020 researchers have used residual PCR tests for viral sequencing. We are adapting methods to sequence viruses from antigen tests since PCR testing is no longer commonly performed.
Why can you not tell me what variant is in my sample? UW-Madison has determined that this would be equivalent to providing a medical result which we are not allowed to do with sequencing assays that the FDA has not authorized.
Why is this sort of sequencing only available in select locations? The investigators have been working closely with local public health departments in the Upper Midwest for several years. If the early programs are successful, we will partner with other communities to expand its availability.
Why should I participate if my COVID test is positive? The virus that causes COVID is frequently changing. Volunteering your antigen test to science gives us the best chance of understanding how and where the virus is circulating in our community.
My antigen test is negative. Should I send it to you anyway? No. We appreciate your enthusiasm but can only reliably sequence virus from antigen tests that have a positive COVID indication.
I have tested myself multiple times. Should I send you multiple tests? Please only send one test per person per infection.
Multiple members of my household have tested positive. Can I send multiple antigen tests? Yes! Please scan each test individually and send each in a separate envelope.
Do I need to have symptoms to send a positive antigen test? No, we accept antigen tests with a positive COVID indication whether or not you have symptoms.
Can my antigen test be examined for other viruses? In theory, yes. The initial phase of this program will be sequencing COVID only from positive antigen tests. In the future, we may modify the program to collect positive and negative antigen tests to look at viruses besides the one that causes COVID.

Which Public Health Authorities?

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