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

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.

An user acceptability study of vaginal spermicides in combination with barrier methods or an IUCD.

Ninety-eight women were entered into an open study of Staycept jelly (octoxynol 1% w/w) and Staycept pessaries (vaginal suppositories) (nonoxynol-9 6% w/w) in combination with other vaginal methods of contraception. Medical problems during use of either pessary or jelly were few and were restricted to genital irritation or increased vaginal discharge. This seemed more common with the pessaries than with the jelly, but this could have been related to the types of women entered. There were no unplanned pregnancies.

PIP: 98 women were entered into an open study of Staycept jelly (octoxynol 1% w/w) and Staycept pessaries (vaginal suppositories, nonoxynol-9 6% w/w) in combination with other vaginal methods of contraception. Medical problems during use of either pessary or jelly were few and were restricted to genital irritation or increased vaginal discharge. This seemed more common with the pessaries than the jelly, but this could have been related to the types of women included in the study. There were no unplanned pregnancies.