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AuthorGheyath K., Nasrallah
AuthorAli, Fatma
AuthorYounes, Salma
AuthorAl Khatib, Heba A.
AuthorAl-Thani, Asmaa A.
AuthorYassine, Hadi M.
Available date2023-09-26T10:44:59Z
Publication Date2023-06-30
Publication NameHeliyon
Identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17179
ISSN24058440
URIhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844023043876
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/47982
AbstractRT-qPCR is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of COVID-19; however, it is laborious, time-consuming, and expensive. RADTs have evolved recently as relatively inexpensive methods to address these shortcomings, but their performance for detecting different SARS-COV-2 variants remains limited. RADT test performance could be enhanced using different antibody labeling and signal detection techniques. Here, we aimed to evaluate the performance of two antigen RADTs for detecting different SARS-CoV-2 variants: (i) the conventional colorimetric RADT (Ab-conjugated with gold beads); and (ii) the new Finecare™ RADT (Ab-coated fluorescent beads). Finecare™ is a meter used for the detection of a fluorescent signal. 187 frozen nasopharyngeal swabs collected in Universal transport (UTM) that are RT-qPCR positive for different SARS-CoV-2 variants were selected, including Alpha (n = 60), Delta (n = 59), and Omicron variants (n = 108). Sixty flu and 60 RSV-positive samples were included as negative controls (total sample number = 347). The conventional RADT showed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 62.4% (95%CI: 54–70), 100% (95%CI: 97–100), 100% (95%CI: 100-100), and 58% (95%CI: 49–67), respectively. These measurements were enhanced using the Finecare™ RADT: sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 92.6% (95%CI: 89.08–92.3), 96% (95%CI: 96–99.61), 98% (95%CI: 89–92.3), and 85% (95%CI: 96–99.6) respectively. The sensitivity of both RADTs could be greatly underestimated because nasopharyngeal swab samples collected UTM and stored at −80 °C were used. Despite that, our results indicate that the Finecare™ RADT is appropriate for clinical laboratory and community-based surveillance due to its high sensitivity and specificity.
SponsorThis work was made possible by partial funds from REP29-026-3-004 grant from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation) AND QUCG-BRC-2022/23-578 . The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors. We thank the many dedicated persons at Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medicine, and the National Reference lab for their diligent efforts and contributions to making this study possible. Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library.
Languageen
PublisherElsevier
SubjectRADT
SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19
Lateral flow
Immunofluorescence
TitleEnhancing the sensitivity of rapid antigen detection test (RADT) of different SARS-CoV-2 variants and lineages using fluorescence-labeled antibodies and a fluorescent meter
TypeArticle
Issue Number6
Volume Number9
Open Access user License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.accessType Open Access


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