Laboratory evaluation of 185 commercial assays for detecting SARS-CoV-2: the UK response for mass testing.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In August 2020, Public Health England and Oxford University were commissioned to design and deliver (with NHS Test and Trace, NHSTT) a rapid evaluation programme of antigen Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs) for SARS-CoV-2 for mass community testing.

Methods

A three-phase evaluation process was established: 1) desktop review of kits including claimed performance and supply; 2) laboratory testing with laboratory-grown SARS-CoV-2 virus and SARS-CoV-2 virus PCR negative volunteer samples; and 3) larger-scale laboratory testing of SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive and negative clinical samples. Variant of Concern (VOC) identification in the UK (December 2020), expanded laboratory methodology. Processes also evolved to improve workflow (irradiated viral stocks, dilution matrices, sampl

SUBMITTER: Bown A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12496213 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature