Evaluation of the INDICAID COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test in Symptomatic Populations and Asymptomatic Community Testing
Ricky Y. T. Chiu, Noah Kojima, Garrett L. Mosley, Kwok Kin Cheng, David Y. Pereira, Matthew Brobeck, Tsun Leung Chan, Jonpaul Sze‐Tsing Zee, Harsha Kittur, Cheuk Yiu Tenny Chung, Eric Tsang, Kajal Maran, Raymond Wai-Hung Yung, Alex Chin-Pang Leung, Ryan Ho‐Ping Siu, Jessica Pui-Ling Ng, Tsz Hei Choi, Mei Wai Fung, Wai Sing Chan, Ho Yin Lam, Koon Hung Lee, Sean Parkin, Felix C. Chao, Stephen Ho, Daniel R. Marshak, Edmond S.K., Jeffrey D. Klausner
Abstract
Laboratory-based RT-PCR, the current gold standard for COVID-19 testing, can require a turnaround time of 24 to 48 h from sample collection to result. The delayed time to result limits the effectiveness of centralized RT-PCR testing to reduce transmission and stem potential outbreaks. To address this, we conducted a thorough evaluation of the INDICAID COVID-19 rapid antigen test, a 20-minute rapid antigen test, in both symptomatic and asymptomatic populations. The INDICAID rapid test demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity with RT-PCR as the comparator method. A dual-track testing algorithm was also evaluated utilizing the INDICAID rapid test to screen for preliminary positive patients, whose samples were then prioritized for RT-PCR testing. The dual-track method demonstrated significant improvements in expediting the reporting of positive RT-PCR test results compared to standard RT-PCR testing without prioritization, offering an improved strategy for community testing and controlling SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks.