Comparison of the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid antigen test to the real star Sars-CoV-2 RT PCR kit

J Virol Methods. 2021 Feb:288:114024. doi: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2020.114024. Epub 2020 Nov 20.

Abstract

There is an ongoing need for reliable antigen assays for timely and easy detection of individuals with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Using 75 swabs from patients previously tested positive by SARS-CoV-2 PCR and 75 swabs from patients previously tested negative by SARS-CoV-2 PCR, we investigated the sensitivity and specificity of the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test (Roche). We determined a specificity of 96 %. The assay's sensitivity with samples with a cycle threshold of < 25, 25 - <30, 30 - <35, and> = 35 was 100 %, 95 %, 44.8 % and 22.2 %, respectively. We conclude that sensitivity and specificity of the antigen assay is inferior to the PCR assay. However, the antigen assay may be a quick and easy to perform alternative for differentiation of individuals contagious for SARS-CoV-2 from non-contagious individuals.

Keywords: Antigen; COVID-19; Lateral flow assay; SARS-CoV-2.

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Viral / immunology
  • COVID-19 / diagnosis*
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • COVID-19 Testing / methods*
  • COVID-19 Testing / standards
  • Humans
  • Immunoassay*
  • RNA, Viral
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction*
  • SARS-CoV-2* / genetics
  • SARS-CoV-2* / immunology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • RNA, Viral
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic