Diagnostic accuracy of a novel SARS CoV-2 rapid antigen test and usefulness of specimens collected from the anterior nasal cavity

•We aimed to validate a newly developed antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT) using anterior nasal specimens.•The Ag-RDT showed 100% sensitivity up to day 6 of illness and 100% specificity.•Anterior nasal and nasopharyngeal mean cycle threshold values were 32.4 and 29.9, respectively.•This novel Ag-RDT provides accurate results with anterior nasal specimens.•Its use has the potential to reduce the burden on medical staff. We aimed to validate a newly developed antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT) for SARS-CoV-2 using anterior nasal specimens. Between February 12 and September 30, 2021, 16 patients (age range,