Evaluation of the Roche antigen rapid test and a cell culture-based assay compared to rRT- PCR for the detection of SARS-CoV-2: A contribution to the discussion about SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests and contagiousness.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The most sensitive method to detect SARS-CoV-2 relies on rRT-PCR; however, viral RNA can be detected weeks/months after clinical resolution. Since rRT-PCR cannot discern between non- and infectious virus, it is unclear whether the presence of viral RNA after recovery reflects infectious SARS-CoV-2. However, recent studies suggest a positive correlation between antigen rapid tests (Ag-RDT) and virus isolation that is more suited to assess contagiousness.

Objectives

To assess the utility of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests in different settings we evaluated the performance of Ag-RDT-based and a cell culture-based SARS-CoV-2 assay in comparison to rRT-PCR.

Study design

A total of 61 Nasopharyngeal-Swabs tested positive by cobas^Ⓡ SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR were i

SUBMITTER: Steinlin-Schopfer J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8106823 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature