Sars cov 2

Both the SD Biosensor Standard Q [11 (link)] and Abbott Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Tests [12 (link)] are qualitative LFIAs. The Abbott Panbio has a reported sensitivity of 98.1% and specificity of 99.8%, with sensitivity increasing to 99.0% in samples with Ct values of ≤33. The Standard Q LFIA has a manufacturer-reported sensitivity of 82.7%, and specificity of 99.1%. In samples with Ct counts ≤30, professionally collected samples had a sensitivity of 89.6%. Both are membrane-based immunochromatographic assays which detect the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. After sampling from both nostrils, swabs are placed in dedicated collection tubes with a sampling buffer. Results are available within 15–30 min, as indicated by a positive test line with a positive control line. For RT-PCR testing, our hospital molecular laboratory employs a duplex real-time RT-PCR that targets the N and E genes using a Qiagen EZ1 extraction system and using the Cobas SARS-CoV-2 qualitative assay on the Cobas 6800 System.

Viral RNA genome detection was performed by RT-PCR using the Roche Cobas 6800 system (Cobas SARS-CoV-2 Ref 09175431190; Cobas SARS-CoV-2 Control kit Ref 09175440190; Cobas 6800/8800 Buffer Negative Control kit Ref 07002238190). This technology allows nucleic acid extraction, purification, PCR amplification, and detection of SARS-CoV-2, targeting ORF1a/b and a pan-sarbecovirus conserved region of the E-protein gene.