image: The effect of different VTM solutions (virus sampling tubes) on RAD kits. (A) Wondfo Biotech, (B) Beijing Kinghawk, (C) BIOEASY, (D) Standard color card of the colloidal gold platform, and immunofluorescence platform. view more
Credit: Biosafety and Health
Many factors have been identified as having the ability to affect the sensitivity of rapid antigen detection (RAD) tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The authors of this study aimed to identify the impact of sample processing on the sensitivity of the RAD tests.
The authors explored the effect of different inactivation methods, viral transport media (VTM) solutions, and sample preservation on the sensitivity of four RAD kits based on two SARS-CoV-2 strains. Compared with non-inactivation, heat inactivation significantly impacted the sensitivity of most RAD kits; however, β-propiolactone inactivation only had a minor effect. Some of the VTM solutions (VTM2, MANTACC) had a significant influence on the sensitivity of the RAD kits, especially for low viral-loads samples. The detection value of RAD kits was slightly decreased, while most of them were still in the detection range with the extension of preservation time and the increase of freeze–thaw cycles. The results show that selecting the appropriate inactivation methods and VTM solutions is necessary during reagent development, performance evaluation, and clinical application.
Summary
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- Compared with non-inactivation, heat inactivation significantly impacted the sensitivity of most RAD kits; however, β-propiolactone inactivation only had a minor effect.
- Some VTM solutions had a significant influence on the sensitivity of the RAD kits, especially for low viral loads samples.
- The detection value of RAD kits was slightly decreased, while most of them were still in the detection range with the extension of preservation time and the increase of freeze-thaw cycles.
- The results showed that selecting the appropriate inactivation methods and VTM solutions is necessary during reagent development, performance evaluation, and clinical application.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, Rapid antigen detection, Sensitivity, Sample process
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CiteScore: 5.2
ISSN 2590-0536
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