Performance of a rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 in Kenya.
Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis
; 102(2): 115591, 2022 Feb.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1596631
ABSTRACT
Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in resource-poor settings remains a considerable challenge. Gold standard nucleic acid tests are expensive and depend on availability of expensive equipment and highly trained laboratory staff. More affordable and easier rapid antigen tests are an attractive alternative. This study assessed field performance of such a test in western Kenya. We conducted a prospective multi-facility field evaluation study of NowCheck COVID-19 Ag-RDT compared to gold standard PCR. Two pairs of oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected for comparative analysis. With 997 enrolled participants the Ag-RDT had a sensitivity 71.5% (63.2-78.6) and specificity of 97.5% (96.2-98.5) at cycle threshold value <40. Highest sensitivity of 87.7% (77.2-94.5) was observed in samples with cycle threshold values ≤30. NowCheck COVID-19 Ag-RDT performed well at multiple healthcare facilities in an African field setting. Operational specificity and sensitivity were close to WHO-recommended thresholds.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Oropharynx
/
Nasopharynx
/
COVID-19 Serological Testing
/
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
/
Antigens, Viral
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Diagnostic study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Adult
/
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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