COVID-19 Evidence Alerts
from McMaster PLUSTM

Current best evidence for clinical care (more info)

Diagnosis Pilarowski G, Marquez C, Rubio L, et al. Field Performance and Public Health Response Using the BinaxNOWTM Rapid Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Antigen Detection Assay During Community-Based Testing. Clin Infect Dis. 2021 Nov 2;73(9):e3098-e3101. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1890.
Abstract

Among 3302 persons tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by BinaxNOWTM and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in a community setting, rapid assay sensitivity was 100%/98.5%/89% using RT-PCR cycle thresholds of 30, 35, and no threshold. The specificity was 99.9%. Performance was high across ages and those with and without symptoms. Rapid resulting permitted immediate public health action.

Ratings
Discipline / Specialty Area Score
Infectious Disease
Public Health
Pediatrics (General)
Comments from MORE raters

Pediatrics (General) rater

Having data to confirm the test works equally well in children is important, but note the very limited numbers in children under 13 years of age.

Public Health rater

I will use BinaxNow TM rapid. This paper answered any question I had.