UV For Rapid Antigen Test

[AshFey]

Hi, longtime lurker here who finally has a question that couldn't be answered by the search function.
The COVID rapid antigen tests we will be using requires a "UV flashlight" to view the results.
Since we want to get the most accurate info from the tests, what's the best UV light for this?

Also wouldn't hurt if I could get a UV light that matches my 316 grade stainless steel torches with hexagonal features (stainless steel hexagonal shaped EDC is my ideal!)

 

[parang]

Two key attributes are the wavelength and the power output I reckon.

 

[PhotonWrangler]

If this is the type of rapid test you're referring to, the instructions call for a 365nm UV light. Given this requirement, any ~395nm "near-UV" light will be unacceptable and will produce unreliable results. Stick with any light that specifies 365nm, either LED or filtered fluorescent "BLB" lamp.

 

[AshFey]

Thanks for the replies! I've seen some lights that specify the nm on ebay, etc, but wondered how reliable the seller's claims were, especially now there is a demand for these lights. Are there any you can recommend?

 

[PhotonWrangler]

I have a Tattu U15 with Woods Glass filter that is true 365nm and works well. I've read good things about the Convoy S2+ UV also.

 

[KITROBASKIN]

According to the info PW provided, each kit comes with a UV light. Are you wanting your own high quality, stainless steel, hexagonal UV flashlight?

Could you be so kind to please explain "The Metaforest"? Is it under the umbrella of the beast formerly known as Facebook?

 

[AshFey]

Pretty sure the tests we will be purchasing do not come with lights.
I'd love my own "high quality, stainless steel, hexagonal UV flashlight", but I couldn't find anything like that online, so I'm guessing this is not as easy as I would have liked.
Google is giving me nothing when searching Tattu U15, but the Convoy S2+ UV looks worthwhile.
I think I should also look at stand alone lights. We have several of these that are UVC for disinfection.
(Metaphorically speaking, The Metaforest is the preferred vacation spot for writers of speculative fiction prone to purple prose...)

 

[nbp]

Inova X5 UV is a very nice UV light. You frequently see TSA using them for checking identifications.

INOVA® X5® UV LED Flashlight

The X5 UV LED Flashlight is an ingenious precision-engineered tool perfect for both professionals and hobbyists that require superior UV illumination for everything from ID inspection to scorpion hunting.

www.niteize.com

 

[rdwilson]

I second the Inova for close inspection. The beam is very diffuse.

For a longer throw, I have a Chinese-made light labeled "Anjonet WF-501B." It's also sold under the Ultrafire brand.

UltraFire 501R Infrared Flashlight

UltraFire classic 501IR infrared flashlight is NOT a regular flashlight with white LED. Suitable to use with a night vision scope, NVS, NVG DIY, camera phones, monocular, goggles and camera which doesn't block Infrared light. It has anti-slip and waterproof design, which is a good helper on...

www.ultrafire.com

 

[turbodog]

All else equal... I'd lean toward ease of use and ease of cleaning/disinfecting.

 

[Olumin]

Whatever you end up getting id recommend looking for one with a visible light filter.

 

[KITROBASKIN]

Not available at retail but there may be something else you would like on Vinh's website:

Sky Lumen Nguyen 2nd Run?

Prices of materials have doubled since the first run of SLN from serial 1-60. I am thinking about doing run 2 of Serial 61-90. I cant afford to do this unless I have at least 15 interested. The price will be $250 just like before despite the huge price hike on my end. I am mostly doing this...

skylumen.com

He could make a dropin using a quality UV 365nm, or a non-modular flashlight with your choice of emitter.

Speculative fiction, purple prose; glad I asked!

 

[TechGuru]

I have this one: https://www.harborfreight.com/lighting/flashlights/uv-blacklight-flashlight-63931.html

It is 365nm as far as I can tell.

What is the Difference Between 365 nm and 395 nm UV LED Lights? | Waveform Lighting

www.waveformlighting.com

"The main difference is that the 395 nm LED emits much more visible light than the 365 nm LED. The 395 nm LED emits a pronounced violet-colored light, while the 365 nm LED emits a dull, bluish-white light (the result of residual light energy that "tails" off into the visible spectrum). Both types emit in the UV-A wavelength range and are generally capable of producing "blacklight" or curing effects."

 

[Wheezy59]

Hi, longtime lurker here who finally has a question that couldn't be answered by the search function.
The COVID rapid antigen tests we will be using requires a "UV flashlight" to view the results.
Since we want to get the most accurate info from the tests, what's the best UV light for this?

Also wouldn't hurt if I could get a UV light that matches my 316 grade stainless steel torches with hexagonal features (stainless steel hexagonal shaped EDC is my ideal!)

HDS makes one if you want one that will last your lifetime and your grandchildrens as well. Excellent quality period.
Peace

 

[DaveTheDude]

HDS makes one if you want one that will last your lifetime and your grandchildrens as well. Excellent quality period.
Pea

Hi, longtime lurker here who finally has a question that couldn't be answered by the search function.
The COVID rapid antigen tests we will be using requires a "UV flashlight" to view the results.
Since we want to get the most accurate info from the tests, what's the best UV light for this?

Also wouldn't hurt if I could get a UV light that matches my 316 grade stainless steel torches with hexagonal features (stainless steel hexagonal shaped EDC is my ideal!)

Also, Olight makes a 1xAA UV light, although I don't recall the wavelength. About $35 if memory serves...

 

[DaveTheDude]

It appears my previous post disappeared. Let's start again.

Olight also makes a 1xAA UV light. About $35. I don't recall the wavelength however.

 

[Eric242]

It appears my previous post disappeared. Let's start again.

It didn´t, you just put it into the quote

 

[electrolyte]

I have a difficult time believing that any approved test can be done with any old UV light source and. Generally that sort of thing has to be supplied by the test kit manufacturer. Sure, lots of people can figure out what kind of UV flashlight will work, but if you go off-label with the light source, you no longer have an approved test. Yes, the correct wavelength is critical. So too, however, is the intensity of the light. Even with a consistent light source, one problem with fluorescent tests like this that I can see is the variability that might be introduced by ambient light variation and the distance between the "flashlight" and the strip surface. A chamber with a lamp and a window that the test cassette would slide into would be a much better solution. It would, however, increase cost. I don't know much about home test economics, but given what insurance companies will pay for, clinical testing is a very low margin enterprise.

 

[Duster1671]

HDS makes one if you want one that will last your lifetime and your grandchildrens as well. Excellent quality period.
Peace

Price and lead time probably make that a non-starter for this application.

 

[AshFey]

Wow, thanks for the replies. Sorry I haven't worked out how to quote posts.
I'll be trawling over the Sky Lumen site for some time.
The Inova X5 is a nice looking light. I know from experience though, that I end up messing up titanium plating, and cannot make it last.

Rapid Antigen tests are less accurate than laboratory tests, and throw both false positives and false negatives. I think the point of them is that they are used every day, so will show an infection sooner or later, but optimally before an infected person becomes peak infectious to other people. I agree just throwing in "illuminate the result window with a UV flashlight to observe the test result" at the end of the directions is not confidence building for result accuracy.

Also agree with turbodog that easy disinfection of the light is a must.