The lollypop test uses saliva specimen. The test card is a lateral flow immunoassay intended for the qualitative detection of nucleocapsid protein antigen from SARS-CoV-2 in saliva specimens directly collected from individuals who are suspected of COVID-19 within the first 7 days of symptom onset.     

The lollypop test uses a double-antibody sandwich method to detect the antigen of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in saliva samples. During detection, the gold-labeled anti-N-protein monoclonal antibody in the labeling pad binds to the viral N-antigen of SARS-CoV-2 in the sample to form a complex, and the reaction complex moves forward along the nitrocellulose membrane under the action of chromatography, it is captured by the anti-N-protein monoclonal antibody pre-coated by the detection zone (T) on the nitrocellulose membrane, and finally a red color reaction line is formed in the T zone. If the sample does not contain the viral N-antigen, a red color reaction line cannot be formed in the T zone. Regardless of whether the sample to be tested contains the N-antigen, a red reaction line will always form in the quality control area (C).

Below is an instructional video that explains how this rapid test is administered.