Accuracy of rapid point-of-care antigen-based diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regression analyzing influencing factors.
Lukas E BrümmerStephan KatzenschlagerSean McGrathStephani SchmitzMary GaeddertChristian ErdmannMarc BotaMaurizio GrilliJan LarmannMarkus A WeigandNira R PollockAurélien MaceBerra ErkosarSergio CarmonaJilian A SacksStefano OngarelloClaudia M DenkingerPublished in: PLoS medicine (2022)
Ag-RDTs detect most of the individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, and almost all (>90%) when high viral loads are present. With viral load, as estimated by Ct-value, being the most influential factor on their sensitivity, they are especially useful to detect persons with high viral load who are most likely to transmit the virus. To further quantify the effects of other factors influencing test sensitivity, standardization of clinical accuracy studies and access to patient level Ct-values and duration of symptoms are needed.