Real-world performance of a single-use, analyser-free, molecular point-of-care test for COVID-19 used in the emergency department: Results of a prospective trial (ED-POC)

Background

A novel single-use, analyser-free, molecular point-of-care test for SARS-CoV-2 (Veros COVID-19 test, Sherlock Biosciences) could reduce time to results and improve patient care and flow in the emergency department (ED), but its performance in this setting is unknown.

Methods

Adults aged ≥18 years presenting to Southampton General Hospital (UK) with suspected COVID-19 were tested with the Veros COVID-19 test in addition to standard of care near-patient PCR. Measures of diagnostic accuracy were calculated for the Veros COVID-19 test stratified by Ct value. Discrepant results underwent viral culture.

Findings

Between Jan 16 and May 2, 2023, 400 patients were enrolled with a median (IQR) age of 60 (34−77) and 141 (35·3%) were SARS-CoV-2 positive by PCR. The Veros test gave valid results on the first test in 384 (96·0%), and sensitivity and specificity were 127/141 (90·1%, 95%CI 83·9–94·5) and 258/259 (99·6%, 95%CI 97·9–100) overall. For those with high or moderate viral load (Ct ≤30), sensitivity was 125/129 (96·9%, 95%CI 92·3–99·2). One (7·1%) of 14 PCR positive/Veros test negative samples was culture positive. Median (IQR) time from sample collection to result was 19 (18−20) mins with the Veros test versus 73 (59−92) mins with PCR (p < 0·0001).

Interpretation

The Veros COVID-19 test generated results in near real-time, around 1 h sooner than rapid, near-patient, analyser-based PCR, and accuracy was excellent for samples with moderate and high viral loads. The Veros test represents a step-change in molecular diagnostics for infection and could significantly reduce time to results and improve patient management in EDs and other settings.