A Comparison Study of the Detection Limit of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid by various Rapid Antigen Tests

TL;DR

This study compares the detection limits of various rapid antigen tests for Omicron SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid, highlighting their effectiveness in early detection amidst the pandemic's evolving variants.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of rapid antigen tests' sensitivity specifically for Omicron, addressing the need for accessible and reliable testing methods.

Findings

Different rapid tests show varying detection limits for Omicron nucleocapsid.

Some tests can detect low viral loads effectively, aiding early diagnosis.

Results inform better selection of rapid tests for public health use.

Abstract

Since the first case of COVID-19 disease in Wuhan in December 2019, there is a worldwide struggle to reduce the transmission of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Many countries worldwide decided to impose local lockdowns in order to reduce person-to-person interactions, masks became obligatory especially in closed spaces, and there was a general requirement for social distance. However, the most efficient method to reduce continuing spreading of infection among the population, and in the meantime maintain a regular daily life, is early detection of infected contagious people. Up to now, the most reliable method for SARS-CoV-2 detection is reverse-transcriptase PCR test (RT-PCR). It is possible to detect the virus even if there is only one RNA strand in the sample, and run hundreds of samples simultaneously. This method has a few disadvantages, such as high cost, is time consuming, the need for medical laboratories and skilled staff to perform the test, and the major flaw: the lack of appropriate number of available tests. The latterly prominent Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) and its derivatives have caused a tremendous increase in the number of infected people due to its enhanced transmissibility. This all emphasizes the high demand for easy-to-use, cheap and available detection tests.