Evaluation of the analytical value of SARS-CoV-2 antigen test in relation to Ct-values of RT-qPCR in patients suspected of COVID-19

Popova, Gorica and Boskovska, Katerina and Arnaudova Danevska, Ivana and Blagoevska, Katerina (2021) Evaluation of the analytical value of SARS-CoV-2 antigen test in relation to Ct-values of RT-qPCR in patients suspected of COVID-19. Journal of the Macedonian Medical Association, 75 (1). pp. 10-13. ISSN 0025-1097

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Abstract

Introduction. COVID-19 pandemic threatens global
human health. Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a reference test
for identification of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, but
it is associated with results delay. There is a need of
fast and reliable tests which can improve the efforts of
controlling the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the analytical value of the rapid SARS-CoV-2 Ag-test in relation to the Ct values of the RT-qPCR.
Methods. The study group comprised outpatients suspected for COVID-19, sampled twice, first for the routine RT-qPCR, and second for SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing. The results obtained by the rapid antigen test
(Panbio™ COVID-19) were evaluated in relation to Ct
values of the SARS-CoV-2 E-gene, obtained by RTqPCR Allplex 19-nCoV multiplex assay platform.
Results. SARS-CoV-2 prevalence, based on RT-qPCR,
was 50.8% (186/366). Specificity of the PanbioTM COVID19 Ag Rapid Test was 100%. Test sensitivity was 73.8%.
Restricting RT-qPCR to Ct-values<30 increased test
sensitivity to 91.2%.
Conclusion. The findings underscored the epidemiological value of the rapid Ag-test since it reliably identifies contagious SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals who
actively spread the virus in the community.
Keywords: COVID-19, RT-qPCR, rapid SARS-CoV-2
Ag test, sensitivity, specificity

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Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: COVID-19, RT-qPCR, rapid SARS-CoV-2 Ag test, sensitivity, specificity
Subjects: Medical and Health Sciences > Basic medicine
Divisions: Faculty of Medical Science
Depositing User: Gorica Popova
Date Deposited: 01 Jun 2023 10:49
Last Modified: 01 Jun 2023 10:49
URI: https://eprints.ugd.edu.mk/id/eprint/31774

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