Performance of a rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 in Kenya

Onsongo, Simon N., Otieno, Kephas, van Duijn, Shannen, Adams, Emily ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0816-2835, Omollo, Mervis, Odero, Isdora A., K'Oloo, Alloys, Houben, Nathalie, Milimo, Emmanuel, Aroka, Robert, Barsosio, Hellen C., Oluoch, Fredrick, Odhiambo, Albert, Kariuki, Simon and de Wit, Tobias F. Rinke (2021) 'Performance of a rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 in Kenya'. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Vol 102, Issue 2, p. 115591.

Preview

Text 1-s2.0-S0732889321002820-main.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (324kB) | Preview

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.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	QW Microbiology and Immunology > Viruses > QW 160 Viruses (General). Virology QW Microbiology and Immunology > Antigens and Antibodies. Toxins and Antitoxins > QW 573 Antigens WA Public Health > Health Problems of Special Population Groups > WA 395 Health in developing countries WC Communicable Diseases > Virus Diseases > Viral Respiratory Tract Infections. Respirovirus Infections > WC 505 Viral respiratory tract infections WC Communicable Diseases > Virus Diseases > Viral Respiratory Tract Infections. Respirovirus Infections > WC 506 COVID-19
Faculty: Department:	Biological Sciences > Department of Tropical Disease Biology
Digital Object Identifer (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2021.115591
Depositing User:	Marie Hatton
Date Deposited:	17 Dec 2021 10:28
Last Modified:	03 Feb 2022 14:20
URI:	https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/19659

Statistics

View details

Actions (login required)

Edit Item