Online Shop

Rapid Antigen tests for COVID 19

Rapid Antigen testing : Detecting COVID 19 virus using a simple rapid test.

*Ngaio is currently applying for authorization to sell or import rapid antigen tests for COVID 19. For those who would like more information and updates, please sign up on our homepage https://shop.ngaio.co.nz or email us info@ngaio.co.nz

What is a RAT?  Rapid Antigen Test

A rapid test designed to detect active cases of COVID-19. The tests detect specific proteins in the virus. Sampling is generally done through a nasal swab rather than the deep and uncomfortable nasopharyngeal swabs used in PCR tests.

The New Zealand Ministry of health provides this outline:
“Antigen tests are used for diagnosing an acute, active COVID-19 infection. The main advantage of Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) is that results can be available as soon as 15 minutes after the sample is taken. They are also relatively cheap to perform”.

A positive antigen test result is considered accurate when instructions are carefully followed. It should be recognized however that sensitivity and specificity does not match laboratory-based methods. A PCR test can be used to confirm a positive or negative antigen test result.

How is a RAT different from other COVID tests?

A PCR test is currently the most accurate test available and is what New Zealand currently uses for laboratory testing. It is more expensive, takes longer and requires specialist equipment and laboratory personnel.

An antibody test shows whether you were infected previously. These should not be used as a screen for current infection but might be of interest for the individual to know. They are often blood tests.

COVID-19 test regulations in New Zealand:

No one is able to import, manufacture, supply, sell, pack or use a rapid COVID-19 test, without approval from the Ministry of Health. The legislation is available here:

https://legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0066/latest/whole.html#LMS451450

Rapid antigen testing for businesses and organizations vs self-testing for individuals and families:

Under the existing government legislation – authorization is required to use COVID-19 Antigen rapid tests.
Initial authorizations are therefore likely to be for organizations in NZ with the appropriate systems and training in place: Part of the application for authorization asks the user to provide information on how records of the testing will be managed. There is also a requirement to explain how identification of the person being tested will be done as well as how the date/time of the test and the test result will be recorded. Further there is a requirement to explain how appropriate clinical management of individuals and notification of “non-negative” results to the Medical Officer of Health will occur.

The use of antigen rapid tests for self-testing is unlikely to be available in the near future.

Training and internal testing protocols are likely to be an important factor.

Ngaio Diagnostics can help by assisting with your application for authorization to use RATs, training your staff and establishing systems for COVID rapid antigen testing.

POSTED AT 12:23pm     Comments Off on Rapid Antigen tests for COVID 19

TechLab signs with Ngaio Diagnostics

Ngaio Diagnostics is now the exclusive supplier of TechLab products into the New Zealand market.  To Ngaio this means a lot as TechLab are a company we have dealt with many years ago and we know the high quality reliable products are ones our customers can rely on.

Our store is now stocked and we have begun supply to all those labs using TechLab and will ensure continuity of supply.

POSTED AT 3:05pm     Comments Off on TechLab signs with Ngaio Diagnostics

Ngaio New Build Progressing Well

As Ngaio Diagnostics continues to grow we’ve made the decision to invest in our future. Currently underway is the construction of a purpose built facility to cater for our growing needs.

The Ngaio team are looking forward to moving in during October. Once settled in we would love to give our valued customers a tour!

POSTED AT 12:37pm     Comments Off on Ngaio New Build Progressing Well

GenDX partners with Ngaio Diagnostics

We have been appointed by GenDX as their our exclusive distributor for New Zealand.

This is an exciting step for Ngaio to cement our relationship with the market leaders in transplant diagnostics. We have already received and delivered our first consignment of product from GenDX which is now in lab and ready to be used. Being a critical supply cog of such a crucial product makes all of us at Ngaio proud to be doing what we are doing.

Ngaio will also assist GenDX in Australia when and where required.

POSTED AT 3:36pm     Comments Off on GenDX partners with Ngaio Diagnostics

Bladder Cancer Diagnostics – KDx URO17 the new go to assay

At Ngaio we want to offer the latest and best performing products to our customers. With our new partnership with KDx diagnostics we have done just that for Bladder Cancer Diagnostics.

KDx URO17 is the worlds most sensitive and specific test for bladder cancer. Call Ngaio to recieve product details including independent studies.

POSTED AT 3:27pm     Comments Off on Bladder Cancer Diagnostics – KDx URO17 the new go to assay

Ngaio partners with Biomedica to supply world class kits into NZ

Ngaio is pleased to have been able to facilitate a NZ researchers work by helping with supply of Biomedica kits to further their work. On review of the Biomedica product range and discussing with industry experts we’re even more excited to have been able to form an agreement to distribute Biomedica products into New Zealand into the future.

Biomedica products are world leading and offer competitive pricing.

Review Biomedica product range here

We encourage you to speak to us about your requirements  – chances are we can help with supply.

POSTED AT 12:03pm     Comments Off on Ngaio partners with Biomedica to supply world class kits into NZ

Rotor Gene users now have affordable plasticware options.

Ngaio has secured the exclusive NZ distribution rights for Sapphire Scientific Plasticware range.

Sapphire are the original plastic-ware manufacturers for Rotor Gene systems, and have now fired back up their moulds and are producing the highest quality plastics at very competitive products.

Ngaio has stock and can supply these as when required at extremely competitive pricing.

Give Sai a call to discuss your requirements and he’ll sort you out.

POSTED AT 3:10pm     Comments Off on Rotor Gene users now have affordable plasticware options.

Ngaio partners with Centrego Limited

On-Site Sanitiser and Cleaner production systems

Ngaio has always had a focus on supplying products which enhance or better our customers lives, research and day to day activities. As such we are really excited to have partnered with Centrego Limited as the exclusive New Zealand supplier of the Toucan product range.

The systems offer on site production of sanitiser and cleaner, which not only offers significant cost and performance benefits, but also offer environmental and safety benefits which all sites can benefit from.

We’re able to help with any requirement with a range of systems able to cope with requirements from domestic to commercial operations.

Contact Gavin to discuss your requirements further and he will be able to recommend the appropriate system for your requirements.

POSTED AT 2:38pm     Comments Off on Ngaio partners with Centrego Limited

NOTICE IN RELATION TO COVID-19 – OPEN DURING LOCKDOWN

As an essential business supplying to pathology & food labs, and other essential services, Ngaio Diagnostics will remain open during lockdown.

Please be aware that Ngaio has chosen to have a majority of staff to be home based during this period and have a smaller than usual team based in our offices. As such, all your requirements will be attended to in as prompt a fashion as possible. Our priority will be given to fulfillment of orders during this period.

Please also be aware that there may be small delays due to reduced freight services throughout new Zealand. Our freight contractors are working to keep any delays to an absolute minimum.

Some items directly related to Covid-19 testing, or restricted due to manufacturing capacity at this time have been backordered from our international suppliers. We will endeavor to supply these promptly once available.

The Ngaio team will do our best during these times. If you have any questions, then please feel free to call us.

Take care everyone.

POSTED AT 9:29am     Comments Off on NOTICE IN RELATION TO COVID-19 – OPEN DURING LOCKDOWN

ASI Spectral Imaging products available from Ngaio

With our growing presence in the histology market, both clinical and research, the time was right to find a world leading partner for spectral imaging systems. ASI fits the bill being a forward thinking company with products that are cutting edge and offer labs a market leading product.

We’re pleased to be able to offer an alternative to what is available currently, and not only offer competitive supply but also systems which significant performance benefits.

POSTED AT 10:36am     Comments Off on ASI Spectral Imaging products available from Ngaio