While the prospect of leveraging rapid antigen tests for genomic surveillance is promising, several challenges persist. The amount and quality of RNA obtained from these tests might vary, potentially affecting the accuracy and completeness of sequencing. Moreover, the sensitivity of these tests, designed primarily for antigen detection, might not consistently yield adequate RNA quantities for comprehensive genomic analysis. The integration of rapid antigen test RNA sequencing into existing genomic surveillance frameworks offers multifaceted benefits. It enables swift identification and tracking of emerging variants, facilitating real-time monitoring of viral evolution. This real-time data is instrumental in informing public health responses, aiding vaccine development, and optimizing control measures. For the effective integration of rapid antigen test RNA sequencing into genomic surveillance, standardization and validation protocols are imperative. Establishing standardized RNA extraction methods and ensuring the compatibility of sequencing platforms with limited RNA samples are critical steps. Additionally, continuous validation against gold-standard sequencing methodologies is essential to uphold accuracy and reliability. The convergence of rapid antigen tests and genomic sequencing represents a bridge between the diagnostic and genomic surveillance realms. While rapid antigen tests excel in their speed and simplicity for identifying active infections, their integration with RNA sequencing technologies harnesses valuable genetic information crucial for understanding viral evolution [2].