Rapid Antigen Test in the Diagnosis of COVID-19

Abstract

Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of laboratory-based diagnosis in the control of infectious diseases. Early and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 is crucial for limiting the spread of infection and determining the treatment to be applied to patients. Our study compared the results of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid antigen tests to diagnose COVID-19. Material and Method: Nasal and throat swab samples sent from 500 patients to our laboratory were studied by RT-PCR method with Multiplex RT-qPCR Diagnostic Kit 1000 rxn (CORONEX, Türkiye) and by Abbot COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device (Germany) immunochromotographic method by the recommendations of the manufacturer companies. The patient’s Demographic information in the study was taken from the hospital information automation system. Results: Of the 500 patients participating in the study, 202 (40.4%) were women, and 298 (59.6%) were men. While 57 patients (11.4%) were detected positively by the RT-PCR method, 54(10.4%) were detected positively by a rapid antigen test method. Of the 57 patients found positive by the RT-PCR method, 8 (14%) were negative by a rapid antigen test method. Of the 54 patients found positive by the rapid antigen test method, 5 (9.25%) were negative by the RT-PCR method. According to the RT-PCR method, the sensitivity of the rapid antigen test test was 90.74%, and the specificity was 98.21%. Conclusion: Although the RT-PCR test is the gold standard method for COVID-19 detection, rapid antigen tests may be useful as a screening test or as a supportive test in diagnosis during periods of intense virus activity or epidemic situations.