On 15 April, 2021, ASLM’s LabCoP hosted the 13th session in a series about manufacturers of COVID-19 molecular diagnostic tools, featuring Abbott Rapid Diagnostics and Beckman Coulter Inc. In this session, Dr Anna Ruzhanskaya, Scientific Marketing Manager, CISEE, Beckman Coulter and Dr Kuku Appiah, Director Medical and Scientific Affairs-Abbot, share with participants some new developments in the SARS-COV-2 antigen rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT) space and what it takes to perform quality sampling and testing using Ag-RDT kits, and its potential to transform the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Furthermore, the rationale for a quicker introduction of SARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDT included: increasing demand for COVID-19 testing, limited coverage of NAAT capabilities in low- and middle-income countries, and long test results turnaround time. These shape decisions made by policy makers, health managers, and laboratory practitioners given additional available tools to support response to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 Ag-RDT are suitable alternatives given their wider availability, low pricing and ability to conserve PCR kits for a manageable population of clients whose negative RDT results may be inconsistent with clinical presentation. The session also covers sample handling considerations for purposes of maintaining comfort, quality and test validity. Please follow the links here to view the recorded ECHO session and download the presentation slides.