What is the primary purpose of an antigen test?

The primary purpose of an antigen test is to detect specific proteins from a pathogen for diagnosis. Antigen tests are designed to identify the presence of proteins that are unique to certain infectious agents, such as viruses or bacteria. By targeting these specific proteins, the test can help determine whether a person is currently infected with a particular pathogen, facilitating timely diagnosis and treatment.

Unlike other tests that measure physiological markers or conditions, such as glucose or cholesterol levels, antigen tests focus directly on identifying pathogens. This targeted approach is essential in clinical settings, particularly during outbreaks of infectious diseases, where rapid and accurate diagnosis can significantly impact patient management and public health response.