Evaluation of the MP Rapid 2019-NCOV IgM/IgG combo POCT test vs. an established platform-based method

Ann Clin Biochem. 2021 Jul;58(4):305-310. doi: 10.1177/0004563221995551. Epub 2021 Feb 23.

Abstract

Background: Accurate and rapid testing for SARS-COV-2 antibodies could improve the diagnosis and management of COVID-19. In this study, we aim to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a commercially available point-of-care lateral flow kit independently and in comparison to an established platform-based system.

Method: Samples from 144 PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases and 130 pre-pandemic negative controls were tested in parallel by MP Rapid 2019-NCOV IgM/IgG Combo test and Roche Elecsys. Comparison of results based on serum and capillary blood testing was undertaken.

Results: Sensitivity at day 15 onwards was 100% for both methods. Between days 1 and 7 post admission, the IgM/IgG Combo test and Roche Elecsys shown sensitivity of 74% (95%CI: 62%-85%) vs. 67% (95% CI: 55%-79%, P = 0.3947). Combo test specificities were 100% for IgG, 98.5% for IgM vs. Roche Elecsys specificity of 100%. Concordance analysis showed 98.5% agreement to the Roche Elecsys method (Cohen's Kappa 0.96 95% CI [0.92-0.99]). Capillary blood results showed complete agreement with serum samples using the Combo test.

Conclusion: In comparison to Roche Elecsys, our data show that the MP Rapid 2019-NCOV IgM/IgG Combo test provides a high-confidence assay system for the detection of previous exposure to SARS-COV-2 infection with advantage of affording near-patient testing.

Keywords: Evaluation of new methods; laboratory methods; point-of-care testing.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • COVID-19 / blood*
  • COVID-19 Serological Testing*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood*
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood*
  • Point-of-Care Systems*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / metabolism*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M