ORCID

Abstract

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.

DOI

10.1177/0004563221995551

Publication Date

2021-02-23

Publication Title

Annals of Clinical Biochemistry: International Journal of Laboratory Medicine

First Page

456322199555

Last Page

456322199555

ISSN

0004-5632

Organisational Unit

Peninsula Medical School

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