Detection of COVID-19 using rapid point-of-care chromatographic immunoassay-based test

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has so far affected over 41 million people globally. The limited supply of real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) kits and reagents has made meeting the rising demand for incompetent. Therefore, numerous easy-to-use rapid antigen tests (RATs) based on lateral flow technology have been developed and are the need of the hour. This has a risen a crucial need for point-of-care devices for on-site detection. The objective of this study was to detect SARS-CoV-2 in suspected persons by rapid point-of-care (POC) chromatography immunoassay-based test. Aim: The present study was conducted during the initial pandemic where all suspected cases were subjected to rapid POC chromatography immunoassay-based test and evaluated the outbreaks of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 239 patients suspected of COVID-19. Nasal samples were collected for the rapid diagnostic test. The rapid chromatographic immunoassay test was performed immediately in all the patients. Results: Of the 239 sample that were tested by Rapid antigen detection test, 89 (37.2%) were positive and 150 (62.7%) were found negative. Maximum number of patients that were positive from 60-74 years of which male were 23 (25.8%) and female were 13 (14.6%) and minimum number of cases were from above 75 years in which male were 5 (5.6%) and female 2 (2.2%). Conclusion: The RAT showed an admirable specificity to rule in COVID-19 patients within the first 5 days of illness and had a reasonable sensitivity. Therefore, patients showing positive results need to immediately get treatment and those with negative tests should be reconfirmed by rRT-PCR as it is considered the gold standard for COVID-19 testing.