Rapid antigen detection testing for universal screening for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in women admitted for delivery

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.01.002
• Publication Date: 2021-01-14T06:43:07Z
• Authors: Amihai Rottenstreich; Gila Zarbiv; Doron Kabiri; Shay Porat; Yishay Sompolinsky; Benjamin Reubinoff; Shmuel Benenson; Yonatan Oster
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; SARS-CoV-2; Point-of-Care Systems; COVID-19; 03 medical and health sciences; COVID-19 Testing; Pregnancy; COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing; Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Research Letter; Humans; Female; Prospective Studies; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Antigens, Viral

In the recent year, rapidly emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has posed major challenges on public health systems.1World Health OrganizationWHO Director-General's opening remarks at Mission briefing COVID-19—16 April 2020. 2020.https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-mission-briefing-on-covid-19---16-april-2020Date accessed: December 31, 2020Google Scholar Timely detection of cases is considered crucial to help forestall this unprecedented disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. This utmost importance in obstetrical population, because these women have multiple interactions with healthcare systems and other parturients when admitted for delivery. Hence, universal screening SARS-CoV-2 was suggested as useful means among presenting delivery.2Sutton D. Fuchs K. D'Alton M. Goffman Universal delivery.N Engl J Med. 2020; 382: 2163-2164Crossref PubMed Scopus (767) Google The gold-standard recommended diagnostic method real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).3World OrganizationLaboratory testing 2019 novel 2019-nCoV) suspected human cases. 2020.https://www.who.int/publications-detail/laboratory-testing-for-2019-novel-coronavirus-in-suspected-human-cases-20200117Date: 2020Date Nevertheless, laboratory capacities perform RT-PCR a timely manner setting are limited, calling alternative assays. introduction rapid tests (RDTs) earlier positive cases.4Dinnes J. Deeks J.J. Adriano A. et al.Rapid, point-of-care antigen molecular-based diagnosis infection.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 8: CD013705PubMed We aimed evaluate performance an antigen-based RDT A prospective study following asymptomatic delivery between October 21, 2020, 28, university affiliated hospital Israel. At time admission, nasopharyngeal swabs from all were collected using (NowCheck COVID-19 Ag Test, Bionote Inc, Hwaseong-si, Republic Korea). All cotested NeuMoDx 288 Molecular System (NeuMoDx Molecular, Ann Arbor, MI). institutional review board approved study. total 1326 included their admission both RT-PCR. Of them, 9 (0.7%) had result latter, 5 RDT, whereas 4 negative (ie, false negative), resulting sensitivity 55.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.2–86.3). Among who RT-PCR, those also by cycle threshold (Ct) value below 30 (16, 25, 29), Ct equal or higher than (30, 33). None result, specificity 100% CI, 99.7–100.0). use shown moderate high specificity. potential benefits approach may allow determination status that will guide utilization proper protection measures inform neonatal care.